Sudbury

Hwy 69 widening continues: Ontario unveils another 11 km for drivers

The province says 11 kilometres of four-lane highway will soon be fully open to traffic on Highway 69.

Province says ongoing expansion of Highway 69 will improve road safety and conditions in northeastern Ontario

A highway.
The province says the ongoing expansion of Highway 69 will improve road safety and conditions in northeastern Ontario and boost economic growth in the region. (Erik White/CBC )

The province says 11 kilometres of four-lane highway will soon be fully open to traffic on Highway 69.

The new section runs from north of Highway 64 to north of Highway 607, near the Municipality of French River.

Work included construction of a new bridge underpass at Highway 64, as part of a new interchange.

Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault says traffic markers that stop motorists from using the new route will soon be gone.

"We're looking at probably by the August long weekend that those pylons will be removed, and we'll have the four lanes open and operational all the way by then," he said.

"But the four-lane is complete now. They just [have] the finishing touches to do."

Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault says the unveiling of another 11 kilometres is "another step closer to completing the four-laning of Highway 69 South to Parry Sound." He says the four-laning provides for safer travel and opens the door for increased economic development in the region. (Martha Dillman/CBC)

The province spent about $61 million to complete the project through the Northern Highways Program.

Earlier this year, the province also awarded a $173 million contract to widen an additional 14 kilometres on Highway 69.

That section runs from just north of Highway 607 to just north of Highway 522.

Quick Facts

  • Work on the latest expansion involved the excavation, embankment, and installation of nearly 3.7 million cubic metres of rock, pavement, and other materials.
  • To date, Ontario has completed 70 kilometres of the Highway 69 four-lane expansion, 14 kilometres are under construction and 68 kilometres are undergoing engineering and property acquisition.
  • Ontario has invested more than $770 million since 2003 to expand and improve 70 kilometres of Highway 69.

Source: Ministry of Transportation