Ontario Ministry of Transport (MTO) has confirmed plans to extend Highway 401 Collector system eastwards from Pickering to Highway 412.
Last October, Durham Post had reported the plan (see below). However, on Tuesday MTO has reportedly provided further details in response to a resident’s inquiry.
“The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has completed several preliminary design and environmental assessment (EA) studies for Highway 401 in the Region of Durham. One of the recommendations from these studies included the extension of the Highway 401 core collector system from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 412 in Ajax,” confirmed a statement from Susan Nichol, Director, MTO Design and Engineering Branch.
“MTO is also advancing plans for the ultimate widening of Highway 401 from Brock Road to Highway 412, which includes extending the existing core collector system along this corridor,” the statement said.
Collector Plan Funded For Detailed Design
“This project is currently funded for detailed design. The construction schedule will be determined pending approvals,” the statement pointed out.
It said this long-term investment will increase capacity and improve traffic operations on one of the busiest sections of Highway 401. It will also improve safety, and support the continued growth of communities in the region.
On Wednesday, Durham Post reported that a new lane is planned to be added westbound to Highway 401 from Highway 412 in Whitby to to Salem Road in Ajax. Study is ready and work could start in 2027, but funding and approvals are not yet in place.
As MTO projects advance into the detailed design phase, more information will be shared through the ministry’s public consultation and communication processes, which may include project websites, public information centers, project notices, and other ministry communication channels, the statement added.