Local infrastructure and provincial highways were top of mind for Chatham-Kent officials this week, attending the Ontario Good Roads Conference in Toronto.
Mayor Darrin Canniff says the three-day event provides an opportunity to meet with provincial officials and discuss local infrastructure issues.
“We’ve got a lot of roads in Chatham-Kent,” Canniff told XS Mornings. “That’s certainly part of any discussion you have with anybody on the provincial side. We need help that way.”
Canniff says a number of projects are planned for the 401 through Chatham-Kent in the next few years, including expanding the highway from two lanes in each direction to three, and reconstruction of the on and off ramps at Bloomfield Road.
“Similar to what we did on Highway 40, the exit’s going to be completely redone and will be closed for several months. It will be brought up to 21st century standards.”
Canniff says the revamped interchange will look similar the ramps at Communication Road and Highway 40, and will provide safer entrances and exits off the 401.
Good Roads is a municipal association concerned with the quality and design of roads in Ontario, and includes members from municipalities and Ontario’s municipalities, First Nations communities, and affiliated corporate members in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
Canniff says the conversations at the conference help municipal officials make informed decisions to support growing the community.
Ward Six councillor Alysson Storey, who was also in attendance at this week’s conference, serves as a member of the Good Roads Board of Directors. Other members of the Chatham-Kent delegation include Councillor Lauren Anderson and several members of senior staff.
