Expect delays: Bridge construction set for Highway 401 over next few years
Posted Mar 7, 2021 02:30:00 PM.
As many expect to return to their physical workplace, you can likely expect more traffic on local highways.
That will come hand-in-hand with new construction on Highway 401.
Starting this spring, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will be replacing the Grand River bridges of Highway 401 beginning with the westbound lanes. The eastbound lanes will follow that, then the final stage will be replacing the bridge toward the median.
At the same time, the highway will be widened in certain areas to accommodate staging and a continuous westbound speed-change lane from King Street to Homer Watson Boulevard. Paving will also be ongoing at this time, along with rehabilitation of the King Street Overpass.
The Ministry also plans to do work on high-mast lighting and storm sewers and modify the King Street interchange ramp.
As a result, four years of lane reductions and ramp closures can be expected. The Ministry expects two lanes to remain open generally at all times and a contractor is still being selected for the work.
Grand River is not just home to Highway 401 bridges, however; the river is also home to several at-risk species. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has given permission for the MTO to complete construction in the area despite this.
“Specific measures were developed in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for species-at-risk (SAR) to mitigate and offset impacts to these species and their habitat during construction and once construction is complete,” said spokesperson Lee Alderson. “Permits and approvals have been received from both agencies to complete these works. As part of the requirements of the permit and authorization, the Ministry of Transportation will be providing several beneficial actions to the ecosystem and species within the Grand River.”
