Drivers travelling on Highway 17 between Renfrew and Arnprior have been watching progress on the new interchange at Calabogie Road.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) tells Oldies 107.7 that construction started in November of 2021 and the new interchange is expected to be complete late in 2023.
The government is investing $25-million for the design and construction of the new interchange at Highway 17 and Calabogie Road.
The MTO says minor traffic delays can be expected when the new alignments are being connected to the existing highway and during the rehabilitation of Highway 17.
The next phase of work will see the expansion of Highway 17 from two to four lanes for 22.5 km from Scheel Drive to 3 km west of Bruce Street.
The MTO says this will separate eastbound and westbound traffic to improve safety and the level of service of the highway.
New interchanges will also be built at Gillan Road, O’Brien Road and Bruce Street.
The MTO says completing the widening of the highway is a priority for the government and adds once complete, it will cut through gridlock and improve quality of life for workers, families and businesses in Ontario, while helping alleviate congestion through Renfrew County.
The ministry is working with property owners, municipalities, the OPP and Indigenous communities to identify and mitigate any potential impacts throughout the project.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)