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Highway 401 stretch widening from six to 10 lanes in Kitchener-Waterloo

January 27, 2017 – The provincial and federal governments will be widening approximately five kilometres of Highway 401 between Hespeler Road and Townline Road in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. area from six lanes to 10 lanes.

The announcement was made by Marwan Tabbara, MP for Kitchener South-Hespeler, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and by Kathryn McGarry, MPP for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure. Both were in Cambridge today to make the announcement.

“This is an important project for people in Cambridge and across our region, as it will improve road safety, reduce congestion, and support new jobs and economic opportunities,” said McGarry. “Working collaboratively with the federal government, Ontario is continuing to build modern and efficient infrastructure that will help all of Ontario’s communities thrive. “

The Government of Canada will be contributing more than $96 million towards the widening project. The Government of Ontario is responsible for all remaining project costs. To ensure a competitive bidding process, Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation won’t be releasing early cost estimates. Once the construction contract has been awarded, they will be able to share those costs.

“The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with Ontario to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help grow the middle class, promote sustainable development and increase public safety,” Tabbara said. “By supporting improvements to critical transportation routes, we will help local businesses move their goods to market and help Canadians safely get to and from work, school and other activities on time. It is thanks to initiatives and projects like the widening of Highway 401 that Canadian communities will remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family.”

The project will include new high occupancy vehicle lanes and the bridge replacements at Hespeler Road and Franklin Boulevard over Highway 401. It is currently in the final design phase. The MTO expects to tender the contract in 2018 with construction planned to begin the same year.