The Ontario government is moving forward with its longstanding plans to widen Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury.
According to officials, the remaining 68 kilometres of highway has been divided into six sections. Four of those sections will go to tender, have a construction company selected and be under heavy construction by the end of 2027.
“Widening Highway 69 is a priority project for our government and we intend to use every tool at our disposal to accelerate this critical work,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, who was in Britt on Aug. 25 to announce that the project was advancing
As part of the work to widen Highway 69 from two to four lanes, the province is investing in the relocation of a CN rail line within the Township of Mowat and the Municipality of Killarney. Officials said the relocation will include grading, laying new track, installing signals and re-connecting the new track to the rest of the rail line. Once this work is complete, construction can begin on a new interchange at Highway 522 that will be part of the expanded Highway 69.
“Highway 69 is a critical corridor within Ontario’s highway network, supporting supply chains, economic development and access to employment, services and markets by connecting northern and southern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Norther Economic Development and Growth. “This investment in the widening of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury will help enhance safety, improve the efficient movement of people and goods and building stronger, more resilient communities across northern Ontario.”
To date, the province has completed widening 84 kilometres of the 152-kilometre corridor, running from 17 kilometres north of Parry Sound to 67 kilometres south of Sudbury.
Specifics on how the highway was divided into six sections, and which of those sections will advance to construction was not provided.
