A new overpass at Wilson Road in Oshawa will lay the ground work for future widening of Highway 401, according to Ontario’s Ministery of Transportation (MTO).
“The Ontario government is getting shovels in the ground to replace the Oshawa Wilson Road overpass in Durham, laying the groundwork to widen Highway 401, relieve gridlock and improve the movement of people and goods across the region,” it said in a statement on Friday.
“Whether it’s to get to work, visit friends and family, or transport goods, Highway 401 is a critical artery for people across the Greater Toronto Area,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As Durham’s population grows, our government will continue to stand up for drivers by investing in the roads and bridges needed to tackle gridlock and shorten commute times for everyone.”
Construction on the Wilson Road overpass begins this summer with improvements to accommodate the replacement of the structure and the future widening of Highway 401. The project includes the installation of new taller light poles, upgrades to the existing noise barrier and new pedestrian sidewalks, said the statement.
“This project is a game-changer for our community, paving the way for a more efficient and connected Durham,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham.
In addition to the Wilson Road overpass, the province is also replacing the Simcoe Street and Albert Street underpasses in Oshawa and rehabilitating two over-water bridges between Bowmanville and Clarington, as well as the overpass at the Highway 35/115 interchange near Bowmanville and the Westney Road overpass on Highway 401 in Ajax.
The eastern corridor of Highway 401 accommodates approximately 120,000 vehicles and 10,000 trucks carrying $380 million in goods everyday and is an essential part of Ontario’s network connecting eastern Ontario, Quebec and the US for international trade and economic development.
“We are grateful for the Province of Ontario’s investment in transit and transportation infrastructure in Durham Region. The replacement of the overpass at Wilson Road and the 401 in Oshawa is an investment in our residents and economy. It will make our roads and highways safer for the Durham Region residents, visitors and commuters, who depend on this route, said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
Quick Facts
- GIP Paving Inc. has been awarded the contract to replace the Oshawa Wilson Road overpass.
- Over the next decade, Ontario is investing $28 billion to build and repair highways, roads and bridges to help tackle gridlock.
- Upgrading Highway 401 infrastructure is one of the priorities identified in Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
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