Government of Ontario to widen Highway 26 in Collingwood, US

The Government of Ontario is set to widen Highway 26 from Sixth Line to Pretty River Parkway in order to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety in the Collingwood region.

On average, the daily traffic along this stretch of highway is approximately 22,500 vehicles.

As part of the road improvement works, the highway section will be expanded to five lanes, including a median shared left turning lane.

Other improvements include reconstruction and widening of the intersection of Highway 26 and Hume Street / Pretty River Parkway, as well as the construction of a recreational trail on the north side and a sidewalk on the south side of the highway between Pretty River Parkway and Marine View Drive.

The works will also see the closure of Sixth Line at Highway 26 with a cul-de-sac, which will be linked to the highway through an extension to Sandford Fleming Drive.

The government intends to tender the project and begin the construction process by 2018.

Upon completion, the upgrade is expected to improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians as well as traffic flow on Highway 26.

Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca said: “These improvements will make travelling easier and safer for everyone who uses the highway.

“Our government is committed to reducing congestion and ensuring our roads remain among the safest in North America.”

In 2017-18, Ontario is committing more than C$2.5bn ($1.9bn) to repair and expand provincial highways and bridges across the province.