SARNIA, Ont. — A local MPP says the province has assured him that the proposal to widen Hwy. 402 to the border town of Sarnia will go ahead.

According to the Sarnia Observer, MPP Bob Bailey says Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen personally told him the mega-project has been approved.

However, no formal confirmation has been issued by the ministry, the paper points out.

If it’s true, say local environmental groups, than the province is forging ahead without a proper environmental assessment (EA).

Sarnia Mayor David Bradley is another skeptic. He says adding another two lanes will create a “parking lot” of traffic en route to the Blue Water Bridge.

Construction of the extra lanes will coincide with upgrades to three overpasses at Indian Road, Christina Street and Colborne Road.