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Hwy. 26 realignment construction could start next spring

BY John Edwards, staff June 30, 2009 12:06

According to a Ministry of Transportation official, construction on the Highway 26 realignment could start next spring.

Will MacKenzie, a spokesperson for the MTO, said the ministry has a few environmental improvements to make before the project is tendered.

"It's our hope (the project is a go)," he said. "It's not carved in stone."

MacKenzie said the intention is to tie up all the loose ends and send the project to tender this fall and said construction could begin in the spring.

The MTO held an information session about the project at the Manito Shrine Club last week.

Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier said the Highway 26 realignment is something that has been discussed for more than 25 years.

"It's very good. It's going to allow people to travel more safely and more quickly," he said.

Carrier said the realignment, along with the improvements to Poplar Sideroad and Nottawasaga Road 27/28 in Clearview Township, will improve traffic flow in the entire area.

He said the new improvements will also benefit a proposed industrial park on Poplar Sideroad. He said road infrastructure that is accessible is a big asset when attracting manufactures.

"Your seeing manufactures, some are moving back to North America, because the cost to ship overseas is too much," he said.

According to the plans, the realignment includes roundabouts at Mosley Street and existing Highway 26, Poplar Sideroad, and a roundabout at Highway 26 and the new Local Airport Road.

The plans also include noise walls in the vicinity of Broadview Street, Marilyn Street, George Street, and Robert Street and in the vicinity of

Summer View Avenue and Lake View Avenue.

The realignment also includes a four-lane road from Local Airport Road to Poplar Sideroad and a five-lane road from Poplar Sideroad to the Sixth Line.

There has already been roadwork started along Hwy. 26 and a bridge on Fairgrounds Road has been completed.

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