The Ontario government is moving ahead with a new roundabout project in the Township of Rideau Lakes, aimed at improving road safety and creating construction jobs as part of the province’s broader highway infrastructure strategy.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced Monday that the intersection of Highway 15 and County Road 42 will be rebuilt into a modern roundabout, a move the province says will cut collisions and help goods and people move more efficiently across eastern Ontario.
“Our government is investing $30 billion to build the highway infrastructure we need to get drivers where they need to go on time and safely,” said Sarkaria. “The new roundabout at Highway 15 and County Road 42 will improve road safety as we continue our work to expand highway infrastructure across the province.”
Details of the Project
The contract for the project has been awarded to Ottawa-based R.W. Tomlinson Limited. The work will include more than just a traffic circle. Plans call for reconstructed pavement, redesigned entrances to the intersection, improved drainage systems, upgraded lighting and landscaping enhancements.
Officials say the project is designed not only to enhance safety but also to provide steady work in the construction sector, which has faced uncertainty amid U.S. trade tariffs.
“Highway 15 and County Road 42 are vital transportation links for families and businesses in Rideau Lakes,” said Steve Clark, Member of Provincial Parliament for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “By improving the safe movement of people and goods along this corridor, our government is protecting our community and supporting future economic growth. I’ve been a long-time advocate for improvements to this intersection alongside the current and previous township councils, and I thank Minister Sarkaria for his support in making today’s announcement possible.”
Part of a Broader Investment
The roundabout is one piece of a larger, decade-long plan to modernize Ontario’s highway network. The province has committed nearly $30 billion over the next 10 years to build, repair and expand roads, highways and bridges.
That plan includes high-profile projects such as the replacement of the Highway 401 Choate Road Overpass and Ganaraska River Bridge near Port Hope. Those projects began in May 2025 and are intended to accommodate future widening of Highway 401, one of Canada’s busiest trade corridors.
The government argues that investments in highway infrastructure are essential to protecting Ontario’s economy and ensuring safe, efficient transportation in the face of both population growth and trade pressures.
Road Safety Record
Ontario consistently ranks among the safest jurisdictions in North America for drivers. For the past quarter century, the province has maintained one of the lowest fatality rates per 10,000 licensed drivers, according to government data.
Officials say the Rideau Lakes project is part of a strategy to keep those statistics strong by tackling known problem intersections. Roundabouts, while still relatively new to many parts of Ontario, have been shown in traffic studies to reduce severe collisions by eliminating head-on and high-speed right-angle crashes.
Local Impact
For residents and businesses in the township, the changes at Highway 15 and County Road 42 could mark a significant shift. The intersection is a major link for local commuters, agricultural producers, and small businesses moving goods across the region.
Clark’s comments underscored that local councils have been pushing for improvements for years, citing safety concerns and the need to support economic activity. With the contract awarded and work set to begin, the long-awaited upgrades are now officially in motion.
Looking Ahead
As construction gets underway, the Rideau Lakes roundabout will stand as both a local infrastructure upgrade and a symbol of Ontario’s broader commitment to building and modernizing highways.
For the provincial government, it is also a chance to highlight investments that create jobs in the short term while laying the foundation for economic growth in the long run.
