The Ontario government is advancing plans to build a new roundabout at the intersection of Highway 62 and County Road 1 in Prince Edward County, a project aimed at improving road safety while supporting job creation and economic stability during a period of global uncertainty.
Announced by the Ministry of Transportation, the initiative forms part of the province’s broader $30-billion investment in highway infrastructure. Provincial officials say the new intersection will address long-standing safety concerns at a busy regional junction, while also contributing to economic resilience amid pressures such as U.S. tariffs and shifting global markets.
“Our government is investing $30 billion to build the highway infrastructure we need to keep our province moving forward,” said Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation. “The new roundabout at Highway 62 and County Road 1 continues our plan to deliver safe, reliable roads that hardworking Ontarians can depend on as we expand our highway network across the province.”
The province has awarded a detailed design contract for the project, marking a key milestone before construction can proceed. The scope of the design work includes reconstructing existing pavement, modifying roadway entrances, improving drainage, and installing new lighting and landscaping. Stantec Consulting Ltd. has been selected to carry out the detailed design.
Local representatives say the project responds directly to community concerns about safety at the intersection, which connects Highway 62 with County Road 1 and serves both local traffic and visitors travelling through Prince Edward County.
“We’ve heard from our community that a roundabout at the corner of Hwy. 62 and County Rd. 1 would be a welcomed safety initiative to reduce the potential for collisions at that site,” said Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “The detailed design work is an important final step before tendering the construction. I’m pleased that our government is helping us move one step closer to getting shovels in the ground.”
Transportation infrastructure has been a central focus of Ontario’s economic strategy, with the province noting that its roads have ranked among the safest in North America for the past 25 years. Ontario continues to report one of the lowest fatality rates per 10,000 licensed drivers, a record officials attribute in part to sustained investments in roadway design, maintenance, and modernization.
Beyond safety outcomes, the Highway 62 project is expected to generate good-paying construction and engineering jobs, contributing to local economic activity in Prince Edward County and the broader Bay of Quinte region. The roundabout design is also intended to improve traffic flow, particularly during peak travel periods.
Industry groups welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the dual benefits of infrastructure investment for safety and employment.
“RCCAO applauds the Ontario government’s investment in safer, more efficient road infrastructure with the new roundabout at Highway 62 and County Road 1. Projects like this not only improve traffic flow and safety but also create good-paying jobs and strengthen local economies. We look forward to continued progress on initiatives that enhance connectivity across the province,” said Nadia Todorova, Executive Director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario.
Similar support was echoed by organizations representing the construction and utilities sector.
“Today’s milestone is another example of Ontario’s commitment to modernizing its transportation network. The Highway 62 roundabout will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians while supporting economic growth through construction jobs and infrastructure upgrades. OSWCA is proud to support investments that keep communities moving and thriving,” said Patrick McManus, Executive Director of the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association.
Municipal leaders also highlighted the significance of the project for addressing local safety issues and improving long-term transportation infrastructure.
“Advancing the Highway 62 and County Road 1 roundabout project to the detailed design stage is an important milestone for our community. This project will address the long-standing safety concerns at this intersection. We’re grateful for the provincial support of this critical project and ongoing investments in Prince Edward County’s transportation infrastructure,” said Steve Ferguson, Mayor of Prince Edward County.
The roundabout project adds to a series of recent transportation investments in the region, including major upgrades to the Bay of Quinte Skyway bridge and a $2-million reconstruction of Main Street from County Road 33 to County Road 30. Together, provincial officials say, these projects underscore Ontario’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, enhancing road safety, and supporting economic growth across eastern Ontario.
