Thursday, July 30, 2026
The Government of Ontario announced it has started construction to expand Highway 3 in St. Thomas.
The Highway 3 expansion project will provide a link to Volkswagen’s new PowerCo electric-vehicle gigafactory, currently under construction.
“The expansion of Highway 3 will connect people to good-paying jobs, support housing growth and help businesses access the workforce they need to drive economic growth,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
Crews have started work to support the expansion of almost seven kilometres of Highway 3 from Centennial Avenue to Ron McNeil Line, where drivers will be able to connect to the future Talbotville Bypass. Once complete, the Talbotville Bypass and Highway 3 expansion will provide a direct connection from Highway 401 to St. Thomas, supporting residential, commercial and industrial growth throughout Elgin County as the province continues its work to build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy.
“As our government continues to attract historic, job-creating investments from global companies, we are investing in critical infrastructure to support this growth,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By expanding Highway 3, we will strengthen access to the St. Thomas Industrial Park, reduce commute times for workers, and position the region to attract new businesses.”
In April 2023, Volkswagen Group announced a $7-billion investment to build an EV battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas. With construction now underway, the investment is already creating good-paying jobs and driving economic growth in southwestern Ontario. Last year, crews began pouring concrete for what is expected to be Canada’s largest EV battery manufacturing plant.
“The City of St. Thomas welcomes the Province’s continued progress on Highway 3 twinning. Advancing enabling works such as utility relocations and grading is an important milestone toward full construction beginning in 2027. This project will improve safety, strengthen connections for residents and businesses, and support the continued growth and economic development of St. Thomas, the broader region, and Southwestern Ontario,” said Joe Preston, Mayor, City of St. Thomas.
Featured image: (Government Ontario)
