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.