TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario government has launched a five-year, $3.4 billion highway construction program.

The Southern Ontario Highways Program (SOHP) aims to reduce congestion, improve road conditions and increase highway safety, the province announced.

“This program will have a positive and lasting effect upon the lives of all Ontarians,” said Transport Minister, Donna Cansfield. “Improving and expanding our highway system will address growing congestion, combined with our far-reaching investments in public transit. Ontarians will spend less time in congested traffic and have more time to spend with family and friends.”

The province estimates an additional two million vehicles will take to Ontario highways over the next 25 years, resulting in increased congestion. The province’s investment should help ensure the $1.2 trillion of goods hauled over Ontario highways continues to get to market on time, Cansfield said.

“Ontario’s population is growing by leaps and bounds,” said Terry Willms, president of Ontario Road Builders Association. “This five-year highway program addresses the needs of our growing province by creating a highway system capable of supporting higher traffic volumes. These investments will prolong highway life, improve road safety and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.”

Among the road construction projects announced are: Widening of Hwy. 401 from Woodstock to Cambridge; the addition of HOV lanes on the QEW between Oakville and Burlington; and widening Hwy. 7 between Hwy. 417 and Carleton Place.

“Ontario has the safest roads in North America and our government is committed to maintaining and improving upon that record,” said Etobicoke North MPP Shafiq Qaadri. “The Southern Ontario Highways Program will ease congestion and keep our highways in a state of good repair.”