Stretch of Ontario Highway 69 expanding to four lanes

The new lanes extend from north of Highway 522 to north of Highway 607 in the French River area

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Kilometre by kilometre, the work to finish expanding Highway 69 – a project that’s years behind schedule – is getting done.

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On Thursday, in a low-key announcement, the Ontario government announced by press release it had opened a 14-kilometre expansion of Highway 69 in the French River area.

The newly widened highway from two to four lanes will help improve traffic flow and safety, and support economic growth and prosperity in Northern Ontario, the government said.

“As we build Ontario, it’s critical that we continue to expand and improve highways across the province,” said Caroline Mulroney, the minister of Transportation. “In Northern Ontario, Highway 69 plays a vital role in helping people and goods move more quickly.

“By expanding the highway, our government is following through on its promise to support the economy and improve road safety.”

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The new lanes on Highway 69 extend from north of Highway 522 to north of Highway 607. The expansion also includes two new interchanges, the government said.

When completed, the expansion will see Sudbury connected to Toronto by a four-lane highway. It’s long been a top priority for Sudbury’s politicians, who argue a four-lane highway would be safer and good for business.

A previous Liberal government said the four-laning would be completed by 2017; however, delays in environmental assessments and land negotiations with First Nations bands impacted by the construction have slowed the project and there is no firm date for when the work will be done.

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In the interim, work has continued on some sections. “The opening of the new Highway 69 lanes is a game-changer for French River and Sudbury residents,” said Greg Rickford, the minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

“By expanding this section of Highway 69, we will see improved safety and traffic flow in the region. The expansion will also create jobs and boost economic growth in Northern Ontario.”

This 14-kilometre section of Highway 69 widening is part of a project to widen a total of 152 kilometres of Highway 69 from Parry Sound to Sudbury. The final 68-kilometre section of widening between French River and Parry Sound is in the engineering and property acquisition phase, the province said.

“Our government is building Ontario with investments in critical infrastructure that improve our health, safety and quality of life,” said Kinga Surma, the minister of Infrastructure.

“Over the next 10 years, we are spending more than $148 billion on highways and public transit, as well as schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other public infrastructure that families and businesses depend on.”