QEW expansion enters final phase

NIAGARA, Ont. — The widening of Southern Ontario’s main corridor to New York State is in the final stage of construction.

The expansion of Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to six lanes from four along a 9.4-kilometre stretch, from Seventh Street Louth to the Garden City Skyway, through the City of St. Catharines, is now underway.

The first phase of this project, the widening of the Henley Bridges in St. Catharines, is scheduled to be complete by fall 2007. Once complete, the entire QEW corridor, from Toronto to Niagara Falls, will have six lanes.

“The widening of this vital trade and travel corridor will help keep goods and people moving through Southern Ontario while reducing congestion and contributing to better air quality,” said St. Catharines MP Rick Dykstra.

The QEW is vital to economic growth, trade and tourism in Ontario, carrying approximately $60 billion in goods each year,” added Ontario Transport Minister Donna Cansfield.

The total cost for phase 1 and 2 is about $183 million, with Ottawa providing up to $41 million and Ontario funding $142 million.

During construction, various measures will be used to minimize the impact on traffic for residents and drivers, including enhanced signage to inform motorists of alternate routes, and maintaining the existing number of lanes along the QEW whenever possible.