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Skyway twinning construction date set

The date of a construction start on the twinning of the QEW Skyway has been announced, and the acquisition of property has begun.

The date of a construction start on the twinning of the QEW Skyway has been announced, and the acquisition of property has begun.

It was 2017 when a representative of the Ministry of Transportation spoke to the town council about what had been chosen as the preferred option for an eight-lane skyway to cross the canal.

He explained a second bridge would be constructed north of the existing skyway, for Toronto-bound traffic, and that the current structure  would remain for vehicles going toward Niagara. Twinning, he explained, would allow the existing skyway to be used without interruption while the new one is being built.

Natasha Tremblay, spokesperson for Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney, said the design work is being completed, and the ministry is working toward obtaining the necessary approvals for the project.

“The current target construction start date is 2024. Once construction gets underway, it is anticipated it will take approximately four years to complete the twinning.”

Some realignment of municipal roads was expected, with about 70 locations where “properties will be required” to allow the work to proceed, the ministry representative said, with the hope the sales would be settled “amicably,” and expropriation only as a last resort.

At least one property in the area of Queenston Road and Niagara Stone Road has been sold to the province for the project, but there are more to come.

The project is expected to cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with a more exact price tag available once design details are finalized.




About the Author: Penny Coles

Penny Coles is editor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
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