The Ontario government has picked a Windsor contractor to install the much-anticipated concrete safety barriers on Highway 401 in Tilbury.
Minister of Environment Jeff Yurek made the announcement on Monday morning, saying that Ontario is making Highway 401 safer for drivers through an investment of $67.8 million to widen and install concrete median barriers on the highway between Tilbury and Merlin Road in Chatham-Kent. Coco Paving has been selected to do the work on the 11 kilometres of highway, which also includes a new storm sewer system. The concrete barriers will enhance safety by helping to reduce the likelihood of cross-median collisions.
The province has been promising for two years to widen the 401 from four to six lanes and install concrete barriers on the 125 kilometre stretch between Tilbury and London, often called "Carnage Alley" because many people have died in cross-over crashes and other tragedies over the years. In February, the province announced it was looking for a contractor.
“Everyone in our community knows how vital Highway 401 is to the success of Southwestern Ontario,” said Yurek. “Widening Highway 401 and installing concrete median barriers will make our roads safer and continue to keep people and goods moving in the region.”
Construction could start as early as the end of this year.
“By widening Highway 401 in Tilbury and installing concrete barriers, we are helping to keep our families safe on our roads while ensuring the safe movement of goods on our important trade corridor,” said Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney. “This is part of our government’s plan to build a better transportation network, encourage economic growth and connect communities in southwestern Ontario.”
Highway 401 between Tilbury and London sees an average of approximately 23,300 vehicles every day. Two-thirds of the freight transported by commercial vehicles between Ontario and the United States travels through the 401 corridor from Windsor to Quebec.