TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing more than $1.7 billion this year to expand, repair and improve Ontario’s highways, roads and bridges.

“Our highway improvements will address growing congestion, make our roads safer and keep our economy strong,” said Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield. “Improving our roads today will ensure Ontario’s transportation network remains safe, efficient and reliable.”

This year’s key construction projects include: extending Hwy. 410 from Mayfield Road linking up to Hwy. 10 in Brampton to ease traffic congestion; widening the QEW from four to six lanes from Hwy. 406 to the Garden City Skyway through St. Catharines to keep traffic moving; repairing Hwy. 401 through a series of projects at various locations in Toronto, including Hogg’s Hollow Bridge to improve road safety and keep infrastructure in top condition.

“Over the next several months, almost every major highway across Ontario will undergo construction,” noted Cansfield. “We know people still need to get around during construction season. That’s why much of the work will be done at night and lanes on major highways will be kept open during rush hour.”

In the next 25 years, it’s estimated an increase of more than three million vehicles will appear on Ontario’s roads and the amount of time spent stuck in traffic could increase substantially.

For up-to-date road condition information on major highways, visit www.roadinfo.mto.gov.on.ca or call the ministry’s road information line toll-free at 1-800-268-4686.