More Upgrades for Highway 26
Posted by John Malloy on 06/28/2010
By Chris Fell -
MEAFORD – Highway 26 from Meaford to Woodford is on schedule to be upgraded next summer.
The Ministry of Transportation and Stantec Consulting held a special public information session about the plans for Highway 26 in Woodford last Tuesday (June 22). Representatives from both were joined by a delegation at Meaford council’s planning meeting held the night before on June 21.
“Construction will happen next year, depending on funding and other Ministry priorities,” Stantec Consulting Ltd. representative Adam Barg explained to council.
The project will be a significant upgrade for Highway 26. A westbound truck climbing lane will be added to Bayview Hill, highway lanes will be enlarged slightly from 3.35 metres to 3.75 metres, drainage will be improved and turning lanes will be added at Grey County Road 22 and Grey County Road 112/Meaford Range Road.
Barg explained that the Ministry has completed its property acquisition for the project. Utility relocations are taking place this summer in advance of the construction next year.
The project will stretch from the Meaford urban boundary for 9.6 kilometrees to just east of the St. Vincent/Sydenham Township boundary. It will not extend all the way to Woodford, because that section of the Highway was upgraded several years ago.
The project will include:
- Pavement rehabilitation.
- Intersection improvements.
- Minor adjustments to the highway alignment to enhance visibility and safety.
- Closure of auxiliary access points.
Deputy Mayor Mike Traynor asked about the status of lighting at various intersections installed for safety purposes.
Barg explained that all the lighting that currently exists at the intersections would be maintained. He said the project is currently working with the Municipality of Meaford, Grey County and Ontario Hydro on the lighting issues.
Councillor Gerald Shortt was pleased to see the long overdue project to upgrade the highway finally happening.
“Let’s get on with it. A passing lane on Bayview Hill has been needed for years. The sooner the better,” said councillor Shortt.
The upgrade project’s importance was a rare point of agreement for councillor Shortt and Mayor Francis Richardson.
“We all agree we were disappointed when (Woodford to Meaford) didn’t get done at the same time as the last project,” said the Mayor, who welcomed the news that the project was moving forward. The Mayor also pointed out for the Stantec and Ministry officials that they likely would receive questions about installing bike lanes on the Highway.
Posted by
John Malloy
on 06/28/2010. Filed under
Meaford.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the
RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
