The province is taking the next step in widening the 401 between Tilbury and London.

The MTO is looking for a contractor to widen and install concrete barriers and is sending out an expression of interest to potential firms.

The project involves widening 11 km of the busy highway between Tilbury and Merlin Road from four to six lanes, a new storm sewer system, safety improvements, and the construction of the concrete median barrier. Building a concrete median barrier will help improve safety and reduce the likelihood of cross median collisions.

“People’s safety on Ontario’s roads and highways, especially on Highway 401, is one of our government’s top priorities,” said Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Our government continues to take real action on our commitment to widen and install concrete barriers on this dangerous stretch of highway to make our roads safer for drivers and get people where they want to go across southwestern Ontario faster.”

The 401 between Tilbury and London sees an average of 23,300 vehicles every day.