With a decision about a possible new worldscale polyethylene plant in St. Clair Township expected by the end of this year, necessary improvements in the Hwy. 40 corridor are being studied.
NOVA Spokesperson Meaghan Kreeft says the company has started work on an environmental assessment study.
"So the Class Environmental Assessment Study is required in the the Ministry of Transportation Developer Driven Highway Improvement process," says Kreeft. "In order to support the construction and operation of the proposed polyethylene facility and allow for continued flow of traffic on Hwy. 40, there are areas along the Hwy. 40 corridor that have been identified for improvements."
Improvements would include lengthening of the existing southbound left turn lane at Petrolia Line, lengthening of the existing southbound left turn lane at Rokeby Line and widening the intersection radius at the southeast corner of Hwy. 40 and Rokeby Line.
Kreeft says based on discussions to date, it's believed that NOVA Chemicals will pay for the necessary improvements.
Residents can submit their comments on the environmental assessment study to Stantec Consulting Ltd. until September 7.
Class Environmental Assessment Study. Courtesy of NOVA Chemicals.