Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Proposed Four Laning in the Highway 69 Corridor

How was the proposed route between the City of Greater Sudbury and Estaire determined?

MTO staff and their consulting engineers, in consultation with the public, determined the preferred route that would minimize the potential natural, social, economic, or cultural impacts associated with the four-laning of the highway. As with the south end study, the work included an investigation to determine if there would be disruption to archaeological or heritage sites, water bodies, fisheries, or wild life. Noise levels were also examined. The process of route selection followed the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act and was approved by the Ministry of the Environment in 1999.

New information came to light concerning the section to four-laning from the City of Greater Sudbury to just south of Highway 537 during the engineering phase design that presented an opportunity to improve upon the previously approved route. An amendment was issued to the previous EA approval. This has received EA approval and detail design has commenced in this section

What happens to homes located along the proposed route?

Although the proposed route is selected to minimize any impact to local residents, inevitably some properties are required to allow four laning to proceed. Those directly affected by the proposed roadway are compensated at fair market value for their property.

How do you minimize impacts to local residents during construction?

Local residents are often concerned about the potential increase of noise and dust near the construction site. Contractors hired by the MTO to build the new highway are required to protect affected residents during the construction period. Measures include specification of the daily hours of operation, to minimize noise levels and treating gravel roads to prevent excessive dust.

How do you ensure the smooth flow of traffic while the highway is upgraded?

In order to reduce traffic delays through the construction zone, contractors hired by the MTO face restrictions on the number and duration of operations that are likely to cause traffic queues.

How will municipalities along the highway be impacted by four laning?

To avoid existing concentrations of development along the Highway 69 corridor, a decision was made during the planning phase to construct by-passes around several communities. However, interchanges will be located at the entrances of by-passed communities to provide convenient access to the four-lane highway, while increasing safety in built-up areas along the existing roadway.

Decorative municipal identification displays and area profile signs will also help ensure that by-passed communities maintain a visible presence on the four-lane highway. Such communities often find that with successful marketing strategies, there is a significant increase in opportunities for economic development associated with the shorter travel times and increased safety of a four-lane highway.

How much does four laning cost?

On average, it costs $10 million per km and another  $8-12 million per interchange to four-lane Highway 69. The proposed four-laning of Highway 69 represents a significant investment in northern infrastructure and economic development.

What is the status of the four-laning of Highway 69 for the 19.2 km south of Sudbury?

Four-laning of Highway 69 for the 19.2 km section between Estaire and Sudbury will be completed in fall 2009.

What is the status of the four-laning of Highway 69 from Parry Sound north to Estaire?

Four-laning of Highway 69 for the 17 km section between Parry Sound and Highway 559 north of Nobel will be completed in a series of construction contracts.

Construction is underway on three separate contracts for this section. The first contract for 7 km, including two interchanges between Parry Sound and Nobel, was awarded in May 2005. The second contract, for an additional 5 km to bypass Nobel including one interchange, was awarded in October 2006. The third contract to complete 5 km north of Nobel including a new interchange at Highway 559, was awarded in January 2008.

The 115 km section from Nobel to Estaire was divided into three sections for the purposes of route planning and environmental assessments. Route Planing is complete for all three sections. Detail design and property acquisition is underway.