Ontario Fighting Gridlock in Durham Region

OSHAWA — 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.

“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.

"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. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is committed to building vital roadways to keep our growing communities moving for generations to come."

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 west of 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.

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.

• The province recently completed work to widen 18 km of Highway 401 between Mississauga and Milton. The multi-lane expansion is helping to keep goods and people moving across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

• Upgrading Highway 401 infrastructure is one of the priorities identified in Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Quotes

"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."

- John Henry

Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham

"Congestion costs Ontario’s economy dearly, and that’s why the Ontario Chamber welcomes today’s announcement to improve roads and bridges that will support the future expansion of Highway 401 in Durham Region. Highway improvements and widening, alongside major transit investments, will move more people faster and spur economic growth. As the GTHA's population grows, so must our economy – and that requires both long-term investment in infrastructure, and long-term partnerships between all governments and all stakeholders."

- Daniel Tisch

President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"Today’s announcement is great news for residents and commuters in the Durham region who will be spending less time on the road and more time with their loved ones. ORBA and its members commend the Ontario government on investing in critical transportation projects and connecting thousands of men and women with good-paying, local jobs in the process."

- Walid Abou-Hamde

Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA)

"Our government is committed to enhancing transportation and infrastructure in Ajax and across Ontario. This investment is another way we are making it easier for residents who rely on our roads and the 401 to travel in and out of the Durham Region."

- Patrice Barnes

MPP for Ajax