The Government of Ontario announced the completion of the expansion of Highway 401 in Cambridge, with eight kilometres of new lanes from Highway 8 to Townline Road now open.
“Highway 401 is the busiest and most congested highway in North America with up to 150,000 vehicles travelling between Highway 8 and Townline Road every day,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area is among the fastest growing of any large municipality in Canada and expanding Highway 401 in Cambridge will reduce gridlock, enhance safety, boost our economy, and get drivers home to their loved ones faster.”
The expansion from six lanes to 10 includes one HOV lane in each direction (4.5 kilometres in the eastbound direction and seven kilometres in the westbound direction).
The project also includes:
- replacing the Hespeler Road Bridges
- a new multi-use trail crossing for pedestrians and cyclists along Hespeler Road over Highway 401
- reconstruction of the Hespeler Road interchange
- rehabilitation of the Townline Road Bridge
- expanding the capacity of the Townline Road commuter parking lot from 195 to 297 vehicles
- new lighting and noise barriers
- a traffic management system which includes traffic cameras and traffic counting stations
Expanding Highway 401 and adding HOV lanes in the Cambridge area are among the more than 100 actions identified in the government’s Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This plan will address gridlock, create more prosperous communities, and support the rapid population growth expected for the region.
“The expansion of Highway 401 in Cambridge marks a transformative moment for our region. As our population grows, I am proud to be part of a government that understands the critical need to invest in new and expanded infrastructure to support our communities. The additional lanes and HOV options will not only fight gridlock but foster economic growth for Cambridge and the Greater Golden Horseshoe.” said Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge.
“This is an exciting day for residents of Cambridge, Kitchener, and beyond as they welcome the expansion and new amenities on this critical piece of highway and transportation infrastructure in our region. Thank you to the Government of Ontario for these valued investments that will support the growth of our local economy and provide the needed linkages as our community builds more homes and grows our communities,” said Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of the City of Kitchener.
Featured image: (Government of Ontario)
