Windsor-Essex inches closer to adding another Highway 401 interchange
CBC
While it hasn’t made headline news amidst all of the other recent big-ticket infrastructure projects in Windsor-Essex, preparatory work quietly continues for a new Highway 401 interchange at an extended Lauzon Parkway.
It’s meant to address current and future transportation needs in the area by improving connectivity for future industrial, commercial and residential growth.
Timelines and price tags for the interchange and northerly and southerly extensions of the parkway have not been made public by the province, city or county at this time.
"To protect the integrity of the bidding process, cost estimates cannot be disclosed," said Ontario Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Julia Caslin.
The main interchange and highway project recently graduated to a preliminary design phase after clearing a provincial transportation environmental assessment study — including species at risk and archaeological considerations.
The next phase will be the detailed design level, the last one before construction can begin.
Of the handful of options, the recommendation includes a partial cloverleaf interchange, replacement of the Concession Road 9 bridge on its existing alignment, and a temporary closure of the bridge during construction with a local detour in place.
The plan also includes the permanent closures of Concession Road 10 at Highway 401, removal of the existing bridge, and construction of a new multi-use pathway that will cross the highway.
The public had opportunities to comment on the recommended plan. That time came and went in late 2025.
"Overall, due to the scope of the work, the project will result in minor environmental impacts that can be appropriately mitigated through standard protection and mitigation measures,” the report stated.
This includes potential disturbance to local vegetation, impacts on wildlife in the southwest quadrant of the intersection and Little River, and construction-related issues like noise, erosion, sedimentation and the management of invasive species.
A variety of communication strategies were used to engage the public, agencies, interest groups, property owners and community members.
“The MTO (Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation) will continue to collaborate with municipal and county partners on the next steps for the Highway 401 and Lauzon Parkway interchange, including co-ordination of connecting sections of Lauzon Parkway to the north and south,” the province said.
Highway 401 within the area is six lanes with a posted speed limit of 110 km/h. Lauzon Parkway within the study area will be a future four-lane divided road that is proposed to be extended from County Road 42 to Highway 3.
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