Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The purpose of this current study is to move forward with plans to improve traffic flow on Highway 6 (Hanlon Expressway), which will create jobs and reduce congestion. The study will include a review of the approved Preliminary Design, make appropriate refinements, and move forward to develop the design for construction.

The provincial highway network plays a key role in linking communities and supporting economic prosperity by the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across Ontario. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has the mandate for implementing upgrading, operating and maintaining provincial highway infrastructure.

A detailed analysis of the existing and forecasted conditions has found:

• • Available capacity and deteriorating level of service of the multiple at-grade intersections along the Hanlon Expressway limit the volume of traffic that can be accommodated safely on the existing highway;
  • As the City of Guelph continues to grow, and the regional importance of the Hanlon Expressway continues to increase, the need for a primary transportation corridor will increase to support the anticipated growth, mobility of people, and movement of goods;
  • Increased demand on the existing highway associated with the urbanization of the Guelph South area, locally generated growth, and planned improved connections to the provincial highway system will cause traffic delays and deteriorating safety conditions; and
  • The current conflict between the need for municipal access to the highway system and the need for improved long-distance regional and provincial traffic flow can be resolved only by replacing the multiple at-grade intersections along the Hanlon Expressway with a system of grade separations and interchanges to provide a controlled access highway.

The transportation improvements will provide long-term sustainability in the Highway 6 (Hanlon Expressway) corridor as they reduce road congestion, collision potential and associated costs, and support municipal Official Plans.

The approved Preliminary Design includes the following:

• • Upgrading all of Highway 6 within the study limits to a controlled access freeway;
  • Replacement of the intersection at Kortright Road / Downey Street with a partial interchange (Highway 6 access to and from the south only);
  • Replacement of the intersection at Stone Road with a full interchange;
  • Replacement of the intersection at College Avenue with a bridge at Highway 6 (no connection to the highway);
  • A new municipal connection road west of Highway 6 between Woodland Glen Drive and the new interchange at Stone Road;
  • Closure of Hanlon Road south of Flanders Road; and,
  • Pavement rehabilitation, illumination improvements, stormwater management, drainage improvements, and utility relocations.

A map that shows the above can be viewed on the project website at: https://highway6-hanloncityofguelph.ca/maps_photos/