To tackle gridlock, save commuters time and support the local economy, the province is advancing 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 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 Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “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,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “With Ontario’s population increasing at a rapid pace, we need the infrastructure in place to support our growing communities such as Windsor-Essex.”
The government will continue to support Ontario families with its plan to keep costs down and build the critical infrastructure, roads and highways the province needs, without passing on extra costs to families, businesses and municipalities. The government will release its 2024 budget on March 26, 2024.
Quick Facts
Highway 3 is a critical link for people and communities in Southwestern Ontario, with as many as 17,300 vehicles travelling between Essex and Leamington each day.
The widening of Highway 3 between Essex and Leamington is among 40 actions identified in the government’s Connecting the Southwest: A Draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario.
The expansion of 15.6 kilometres of Highway 3 from two to four lanes will also include the widening of five existing intersections, the addition of traffic signals to three other intersections and resurfacing existing lanes.
In June 2023, Ontario announced plans to support a new interchange connecting Highway 401 to the future extension of Lauzon Parkway in Windsor. The interchange will support increased opportunities for trade and better access to the Windsor-Detroit border.
The funding being announced today is part of Ontario’s investment of more than $28 billion in highway, road, and bridge projects over the next 10 years.
In 2023-24, the Ontario government is investing approximately $3.2 billion to repair and expand provincial highways, roads and bridges.
Construction to widen Highway 3 from Maidstone Avenue to Arner Townline in Essex was completed in fall 2023.
Quotes
“Our government has dedicated a historic $185 billion over the next decade to build highways, transit, hospitals, long-term care homes, schools and other infrastructure. By making targeted investments, such as in the widening of Highway 3, we are continuing to strengthen our economy and make life safer and more convenient for Ontarians and their families.”
– Kinga Surma
Minister of Infrastructure
“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.”
– Andrew Dowie
MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh
“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.”
– Anthony Leardi
MPP for Essex
“The Town of Essex 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.”
– Sherry Bondy
Mayor of the Town of Essex
“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.”
– Hilda MacDonald
Mayor of the Municipality of Leamington, and Warden of Essex County
“The continued project for the widening of Highway 3 will be a game-changer for Windsor and Essex County during this exciting time of economic growth and development in our region. Windsor-Essex is home to several significant once-in-a-generation infrastructure projects including the EV battery manufacturing plant, a new international border crossing between Canada and the US, and a state-of-the-art regional acute care hospital, as well as thousands of new jobs. 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. My thanks to Premier Ford and Minister Sarkaria for their ongoing investments in Windsor-Essex.”
– Drew Dilkens
Mayor of Windsor
Learn more about the Highway 3 Widening Project