LONDON, Ont. — Construction is set to begin this week to widen and improve Hwy. 401 in London, which leads to Canada’s two busiest international border crossings at Windsor and Sarnia.

This investment of more than $36 million is being cost-shared by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of London.

“This updated interchange is great news for London’s economy as it promises to ease traffic congestion and provide our business community with significantly enhanced access to the 401 trade corridor and the United States border,” said City of London Acting Mayor Tom Gosnell. “And, by partnering with the province and the federal government on this infrastructure fund project, we’re also reinforcing London’s Transportation Master Plan and Industrial Land Strategy.”

The Government of Canada’s funding for the London project comes from the $600-million Border Infrastructure Fund. The fund is designed for projects that reduce border congestion, improve the flow of goods and services, and expand infrastructure over the medium term.

The improvement project is expected to be completed by 2007. The goal of the facelift is to improve traffic safety and flow in the area by widening Hwy. 401 from four to six lanes to improve traffic flow; rebuilding the Wellington Road interchange ramps to improve safety; building a new Wellington Road bridge to accommodate a wider roadway; improving the Dingman Creek bridge to accommodate the widening of Highway 401; installing new lighting to improve safety; and installing a new changeable message sign to provide road and traffic information to the travelling public.