Some work continues even as long-awaited Hwy 7 project is under review
Posted Aug 21, 2019 03:45:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Even as the long-awaited new Highway 7 between Guelph and Kitchener project is under review, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation says some phases of that project are still underway.
The Ontario government is continuing its review of all highway expansion projects and spending that was committed to by the previous Liberal government, said Liane Fisher Bloxam, communications coordinator for the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
“The project to build a new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph is among the highway expansion projects currently under review,” said Fisher Bloxam in an email on Tuesday.
The current PC government is committed to improving the transportation network across the province to reduce congestion and get people moving, she said.
Phase One of the new Hwy 7 project concluded in June with the completion of the Victoria Street Bridge replacement in Kitchener, said Fisher Bloxam.
A second phase is currently underway, said Fisher Bloom, and includes the design of two new highway bridges across the Grand River. When the design is completed, a 30-day public consultation on the Design and Construction Report will be made available.
Phase 3 work is also underway and includes environmental field work, detailed soil investigations, and other engineering work, said Fisher Bloxam.
A report by the MTO titled Southern Highways Program 2017-2021 stated the expected completion date as 'beyond 2021.' The MTO spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked Tuesday if this is still the case.
Resurfacing work on the existing Hwy 7 will begin in late August or early September, beginning near Regional Road 66/Spitzig Road in Bresleau, Ont. to the west limits of Guelph.
“Drivers can expect single lane closures with flagging operations during construction,” said Fisher Bloxam.
The resurfacing work is scheduled to be completed in October.
