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Ontario issues RFP as Highway 6 expansion nears reality

The Ontario government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) procurement package to design and build the Highway 6/Hanlon Expressway Midblock Interchange, which will is designed to help to alleviate congestion on local roads.

By doing so, the province is a step closer to enhance Highway 6 between Guelph and Hamilton and to bypass traffic around Morriston, it said.

“Our government is making smart investments in highways, roads and bridges to strengthen and expand our highway network,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “We are one step closer to constructing the next phase of this essential work to make our roads safer, alleviate traffic congestion throughout the communities of Morriston and Aberfoyle, and to help this important region grow.”

Shortlisting

This week, the Design-Build teams will be shortlisted from the Expression of Interest phase and these companies will be invited to submit proposals for design and construction. These proposals will be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation in October of 2021. The Design-Build contract is anticipated to be awarded in winter 2021/22 with construction expected to begin later in 2022 following completion of the detail design.

The new interchange will enhance the safety and capacity of Hanlon Expressway by removing two at-grade intersections along Hanlon Expressway, creating an improved link between Highway 401 and the Guelph area. Removal of these at-grade intersections is required before construction of future interchange improvements at Highway 401 and Highway 6 North can proceed and supports and improves connectivity between Guelph and Hamilton.

Quick facts

The Highway 6 corridor through Morriston is considered one of the busiest two-lane highways in Ontario with average daily traffic volumes of 23,000 to 26,000 vehicles per day.

Phase 1 of the Highway 6 and 401 Morriston Bypass expansion project was completed last year when the replacement of Puslinch Concession Road 7 Bridge over Highway 401 was completed.

Ontario has allocated more than $21 billion in funding over the next 10 years, including about $2.6 billion in 2021–22, to expand and repair highways and bridges.

The draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario released in January 2020 includes the commitment to improve connections between Ontario’s southwest markets and the east by advancing design work to construct a bypass around the community of Morriston and make upgrades to the south end of Highway 6 in Guelph.