Highway 420 project completion delayed to 2018
It’s not the news motorists want to hear.
The Ministry of Transportation says due to unforeseen issues, the Highway 420/QEW Toronto-bound ramp in Niagara Falls will continue to be closed into 2018, resulting in the Dorchester Road ramp being open partially to provide access to QEW Toronto bound, but it will not provide connection to Montrose Road.
The project is part of what was originally slated as a two-year, $22-million rehabilitation and resurfacing along the 420.
The contract included structural work of five bridges, electrical work, resurfacing and median reconstruction.
The work began in spring 2016, and it was anticipated that all work would be done by November 2017.
“Although work on four of the five bridges is expected to be complete before winter shutdown in November/ December, delays were encountered for the Highway 420 westbound to QEW Toronto-bound ramp bridge due to its different/worse condition than originally identified in the contract,” said MTO spokesperson Valentina Stankovic.
“At this time we are anticipating the overall project completion in 2018 as additional analysis, design and construction is required to complete the rehabilitation of that bridge.”
She said traffic will continue to be rerouted to the temporary ramp that has been in place since the start of construction.
MTO continues its efforts to minimize the delay in completing the work to reduce the impact to the travelling public, said Stankovic.
“If conditions are favourable, the ministry will look at opportunities to work during the winter months to minimize the delay.”
She said work on the Highway 420 westbound to QEW Torontobound ramp bridge began this past spring and was to be completed this month.
Stankovic didn’t provide when in 2018 work on this particular structure will be completed.
“It is anticipated that the majority of the work will take place during the 2018 construction season.”
The project has caused headaches for motorists and residents in the area, who have complained about lengthy backlogs.
Stankovic said the ministry apologizes for any inconvenience.
“We will continue to look for opportunities to minimize the delay. The ministry is completing work that will open up the access from Dorchester Road to the QEW Toronto bound, which was closed during construction. It is anticipated that this will alleviate a lot of the congestion in the area. An additional lane that was closed on Highway 420 will be opened up as well. Regrettably, it will not be possible to open the access from Dorchester to Montrose. A detour route will remain in place.” rspiteri@postmedia.com twitter.com/rayspiteri