Ontario is moving ahead with another phase of the long-running Highway 69 expansion between Parry Sound and Sudbury, investing in the relocation of a Canadian National Railway Company rail line to clear the way for construction of a new Highway 522 interchange.
The work is part of the province’s plan to widen the remaining 68 kilometres of Highway 69 from two lanes to four. The unfinished portion will be divided into six construction sections, with four expected to be under heavy construction by the end of 2027.
CN Rail Relocation Clears Way for Highway 522 Interchange
The rail relocation within the Township of Mowat and Municipality of Killarney represents an early step in advancing the remaining highway work. The project will involve grading, laying new track, installing signals and reconnecting the relocated track with the existing CN network.
Once the railway work is completed, construction can proceed on a new interchange at Highway 522 as part of the expanded Highway 69 corridor.
“Widening Highway 69 is a priority project for our government and we intend to use every tool at our disposal to accelerate this critical work,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The relocation of the CN rail line will facilitate construction of a new interchange at Highway 522, marking another step forward to widen the highway, enhancing road safety on this critical corridor that supports economic development and the province’s world-class mining sector.”
Highway 69 is an important north-south transportation route connecting communities and businesses in Northern Ontario with markets and services farther south.
“Highway 69 is a critical transportation corridor within Ontario’s highway network, supporting supply chains, economic development and access to employment, services and markets by connecting northern and southern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment in the widening of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury will help enhance safety, improve the efficient movement of people and goods and build stronger, more resilient communities across northern Ontario.”
Ontario Has Completed 84 Kilometres of Highway Expansion
Ontario has so far widened 84 kilometres of the 152-kilometre corridor, covering the section from 17 kilometres north of Parry Sound to approximately 67 kilometres south of Sudbury.
The province says completing the remaining sections will improve road safety and traffic flow while supporting construction employment, tourism, mining and other industries dependent on reliable transportation links.
“We have been working diligently with all parties impacted by the widening of highway 69 from Parry Sound to Sudbury and I am pleased to see the necessary CN rail relocation moving forward as part of this larger project. This is a critical step towards our goal of making travel safer for residents, families and businesses, while strengthening access to the economic opportunities that this corridor supports,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Northern Ontario Groups Back Highway 69 Expansion
Municipal and industry organizations also welcomed progress on the project.
“NOMA welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment in expanding and modernizing Northern Ontario’s highway network. The widening of Highway 69 demonstrates what is possible when we make long-term investments in safer, more reliable transportation corridors that support communities, industry and economic growth. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Minister Sarkaria and the Government of Ontario as this same long-term approach is advanced for Highways 11 and 17 across Northwestern Ontario, including short-, medium- and long-term improvements that strengthen the Trans-Canada Highway for generations to come,” said Mayor Rick Dumas, President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.
“FONOM welcomes this important progress on Highway 69. The relocation of the rail line and the new Highway 522 interchange will support safer travel, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen access to Northern Ontario’s mining and resource sectors. We look forward to receiving further details about the planned improvements and timelines for the remaining sections of the corridor,” said Dave Plourde, President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.
Marie Litalien, President and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, said the corridor is vital to the regional economy.
“Highway 69 is one of the most important transportation and economic corridors in northern Ontario. We welcome any action that advances this long-awaited expansion. Improving safety, strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth are critical to the future of Greater Sudbury and the North, and we look forward to seeing this important project continue to move forward.”
Highway Investment Tied to Northern Ontario Growth
Industry representatives said completing the corridor could also strengthen investment prospects and access to Ontario’s critical minerals and natural-resource industries.
“Completing Highway 69 is about more than finishing the remaining 68 kilometres, it is about opening Northern Ontario to its next generation of growth. A safer, more reliable connection between Sudbury and Southern Ontario will strengthen communities, support the critical minerals economy and give businesses and families greater confidence to invest and grow in the North. ORBA welcomes this important commitment to building the transportation infrastructure Ontario will need for decades to come,” said Steven Crombie, Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association.
The Highway 69 expansion forms part of Ontario’s broader infrastructure program. The provincial government plans to invest $31 billion over 10 years to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges, positioning transportation infrastructure as a key component of its economic and regional development strategy.