Toronto 
The Ontario government has initiated the technical evaluation for a new driver and transit tunnel expressway under Highway 401, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
The project, stretching from beyond Brampton and Mississauga to beyond Markham and Scarborough, is expected to reduce traffic and boost economic growth.
“Ontario’s gridlock problem is leaving the average Toronto-area commuter stuck in traffic for 98 hours every year, taking up precious time that would be better spent with family, friends and loved ones, and is costing our economy $11 billion every year in the GTHA alone,” said Premier Doug Ford announcing the feasibility study.
The tunnel is part of Ontario’s nearly $100 billion plan to address traffic problems, including other major infrastructure projects like the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413.
The Ministry of Transportation, with support from Infrastructure Ontario, will lead the evaluation process.
This will involve studying route options, assessing economic impacts, reviewing international best practices, and conducting environmental assessments. Soil testing and consultations with First Nations communities will also be part of the initial phase. The expressway will not be tolled.
Per the news release, travel times on Highway 401 are projected to double by 2051, significantly worsening congestion unless capacity is increased. Current ministry models predict that all major highways in the GTHA will reach or exceed capacity within the next decade.
Ontario says the population growth, which saw over 500,000 new residents in the province in 2022, underscores the urgency of expanding transportation infrastructure.
