Work is now underway on the twinning of Hwy. 3 in St. Thomas from Centennial Avenue to Ron McNeil Line, where it will meet up with the Talbotville Bypass.
Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack was joined by Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation on Tuesday morning to announce the start of advance work, including utility relocations and grading.
Flack spoke of the importance of the Hwy. 3 corridor.
“This is another important step forward for St. Thomas, Elgin County and our entire region.”
Flack added, “St. Thomas and Elgin County are one of Ontario’s fastest growing economic success stories with transformational investments in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle production, housing and infrastructure, and our community is helping lead Ontario’s economy now and in the future.”
Sarkaria called it a great day for St. Thomas and a great day for Ontario.
The seven-kilometre stretch through the city is to be expanded to four lanes to join the Talbotville Bypass.
Sarkaria stressed, “The expansion of Hwy. 3 will connect people to good-paying jobs, support housing growth, and help businesses access the workforce they need to drive economic growth.”
He added, “Our government continues to invest to build a stronger, more self-reliant and self-resilient economy and to protect Ontario. And that’s exactly what we’re doing by expanding Hwy. 3 and building the Talbotville Bypass.
Also on hand was Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
He noted, “Our manufacturing sector accounts for over 800,000 hardworking men and women across Ontario. So while President Trump’s tariffs continue to target at our strengths, Ontario’s resilience has been unwavering.
Representing the City of St. Thomas, Coun. Jeff Kohler pointed out that “The advancement of enabling works including utility relocations and grading marks an important milestone as we move towards full construction in 2027.”
Fedeli concluded, “So to our municipal partners, builders, and all those who helped reach this really great milestone, thank you. With every milestone reached, we sustain St. Thomas’ growth for decades to come.”
A related article can be found here.
Transportation Environmental Study Reports for the Talbotville Bypass and the twinning of Hwy. 3 are available online at http://www.highway3elgin.ca
Written by Ian McCallum
