Premier Doug Ford and members of his cabinet were in Essex County Monday to announce several highway infrastructure projects in Southwestern Ontario, including the start of construction on the final phase of widening Highway 3 between Essex and Leamington and building a new interchange at Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway in Windsor.
The province is also building a new interchange connecting Highway 401 to Lauzon Parkway.
“By widening Highway 3 and building the Banwell and Lauzon Parkway interchanges, we’re building the transportation infrastructure needed to tackle gridlock and support the region’s growing economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “While previous governments ignored the province’s infrastructure needs, we’re getting it done for Windsor-Essex by getting shovels in the ground as part of our $28 billion plan to build roads and highways.”
The government says it is investing $50 million to build a new interchange at Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway. The Banwell interchange will improve access to Canada’s first electric vehicle battery plant while also supporting supply chain businesses across Windsor and the new Windsor-Essex hospital.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to deliver game-changing projects that will get drivers in Windsor-Essex where they need to go, faster than ever,” said Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates meaningful jobs and saves families and businesses time and money.”
“Our government will continue working with municipalities to get more critical infrastructure built to help ensure they remain strong, and have the ability to deliver key services,” finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy added. “With Ontario’s population increasing at a rapid pace, we need the infrastructure in place to support our growing communities such as Windsor-Essex.”
Local MPPs were also pleased with the announcement.
"Building the Banwell/E.C. Row Interchange is a game-changer supporting not only our advanced manufacturers including NextStar Energy EV Battery Plant, but also the thousands of daily commuters in Windsor, Tecumseh and Lakeshore. I want to sincerely thank the Premier, the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Finance for hearing our voices in Windsor-Essex. This project has been needed for over 30 years, and I couldn’t be happier to see that the Ontario government is finally delivering it,” said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi added: "Highway 3 is a critical artery that connects Essex to communities across Ontario, as well as economic and trade opportunities at the Windsor-Detroit border. As the population of Southwestern Ontario continues to grow rapidly, widening Highway 3 will ensure that the region’s infrastructure can keep up with this growth, while keeping people and goods moving efficiently along the corridor."
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said her town is “thrilled to see the Highway 3 widening project advance with the start of construction of the final phase.”
“This initiative is vital to our region, as Highway 3 serves as a critical connection between our community and neighbouring areas. The expansion of this roadway will enhance safety, improve connectivity, and increase economic opportunities for our residents and businesses, contributing to a brighter future for our region,” Bondy added.
"I am thrilled to witness the start of the final phase in the expansion of Highway 3 from Essex to Leamington. This significant development marks a pivotal step toward cutting down commute times and enhancing the safety and efficiency of travel for residents and the countless individuals and businesses reliant on this critical route. Thanks to this project, our region stands at the cusp of a new era of connectivity and growth. We are deeply appreciative of the Ontario government's investment in improving our infrastructure and look forward to the positive impacts this expansion will bring to our community and the region as a whole,” stated Essex County Warden and Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens called the Highway 3 widening “a game-changer” for the region. He cited the hospital, Gordie Howe International Bridge, and the battery plant as examples of economic growth.
"This region has been identified as one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario and across Canada. Windsor needs a reliable and connected transportation network to get people and goods where they need to go, quickly and efficiently. I am thankful that the Ontario government continues to prioritize building and improving infrastructure that will help our region advance,” said Dilkens.
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