Highway Improvements Underway in Simcoe-Grey

The summer travel season is in full swing, and with it, comes road construction season. While completed road construction projects will greatly improve the travelling experience for the tens of thousands of motorists that live in and visit Simcoe-Grey, some delays are to be expected while work is underway. It is the typical “short-term pain for long-term gain” scenario.

Here is the good news. In April, the Ontario government announced it would be providing $30 million to support municipal road and bridge repairs in 21 municipalities across the province. 

The funding is being delivered through the Connecting Links program and will help to connect people to jobs, support the movement of goods and spur economic growth. 

“We are investing in municipal roads and bridges to help municipalities make needed infrastructure improvements that will keep our communities moving safely and efficiently every day,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This funding is part of our government’s plan to create a strong Ontario, connecting more people to jobs, housing and economic opportunities across the province.” 

The Connecting Links program provides funding for up to 90 per cent of eligible project costs. This includes a maximum of $3 million for road projects and $5 million for bridge projects. Eligible costs include the design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of municipal roads and bridges that run through communities and connect to provincial highways. 

Collingwood will receive $2,120,170 for the rehabilitation of Highway 26 west from Grey Road 21 – Osler Bluff Road to Cranberry Trail West. This busy portion of highway connects Collingwood to Grey County and the Blue Mountains.

“Roads and bridges are vital links that connect people to jobs, housing and make it easier for people to get where they need to go,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “Our government is providing the funding municipalities need to ensure their transportation infrastructure is safe and reliable for generations to come.”

East of Collingwood, between Wasaga Beach and Stayner in Clearview Township, traffic signals are being installed on Highway 26 at the busy intersection at Nottawasaga 27/28 Side Road in Clearview Township. When complete, the upgrades to the intersection will provide a much improved signalized intersection for motorists wishing to turn off of or on to highway 26 just north of Stayner.

Motorists have also been experiencing delays along highway 89 west of Alliston amid an extensive road resurfacing and culvert replacement project.

CLICK HERE to learn more about 2022-2023 Ontario Highways Programs. Find highway expansion and rehabilitation projects that are planned or underway. The Ontario Highways Program provides information on highway expansion and rehabilitation projects that are planned or underway in communities across the province through different formats, including an interactive map and sortable tables.