Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Project Overview and Benefits
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:
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- 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:
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- 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://dev.highway6-hanloncityofguelph.ca/maps_photos/
Environmental Assessment Process
The preliminary design for this project was approved through the Transportation Environmental Study Report for G.W.P. 3002-05-00, Highway 6 (Hanlon Expressway) Improvements From 0.5 kilometres south of Maltby Road to the City of Guelph, June 2009. The next stages in the EA process will be the completion of the Citizens Liaison Committee (CLC) work, Public Information Centre (PIC), and Design and Construction Report (DCR) in advance of construction.
A review of the June 2009 Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) is being undertaken to identify:
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- any significant changes to existing conditions that have occurred since release of the reports noted above; and
- the need for refinements to the approved Preliminary Design.
In the event that significant changes are identified, a TESR Addendum will be made available for public and agency review.
The Detailed Design phase will be documented in Design and Construction Report(s) (DCRs) that will be made available for public and agency review.
The Project Team is actively consulting with staff from the City of Guelph, Guelph/Eramosa Township, Wellington County, and Puslinch Township throughout the study to discuss the previously approved Preliminary Design, proposed refinements, and nearby approved / ongoing / future municipal studies and construction. Construction staging will be coordinated with the municipal projects and with other MTO projects to minimize traffic impacts as much as possible and minimize out of way travel.
Consultation and Engagement
Consultation and engagement will take place throughout the study with the public, Indigenous people, regulatory agencies, and municipalities.
A Public Information Centre (PIC) is planned to provide an opportunity for members of the public to discuss the study and any proposed refinements to the Preliminary Design with the Project Team.
Further consultation will occur in association with the Detailed Design.
The Project Team is actively consulting with the staff from the City of Guelph, Guelph/Eramosa Township, Wellington County, and Puslinch Township, as well as emergency responders and regulatory agencies. Consultation will continue throughout design and into construction.
There are several ways to get involved with this study:
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- Visit the project website for updates at : https://dev.highway6-hanloncityofguelph.ca/
- Ask to be added to the Project Mailing List to be notified of all future public consultation activities by email or mail (please specify);
- Attend the Public Information Centre (PIC) to meet the Project Team, learn more about the study and provide your input;
- Submit a written comment through the “Contact Us” section of this website, by email, or by mail at any time; or,
- Contact a Project Team member to discuss any comments, questions or concerns you might have.
Consultation is a requirement of the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities. The Project Team reviews all input received.
Project Schedule
The Ministry is moving forward with engineering design work necessary to get this project construction ready. Scheduling of construction will follow completion of property acquisition, utility relocation work, obtaining all environmental approvals, and funding availability.
This project is a complex highway expansion initiative that is expected to take several years to construct. Details of construction timing will be provided as they become available.
Environmental Issues and Concerns
Environmental investigations are being completed as part of this study to determine potential environmental impacts and develop mitigation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts as best as possible. The results of these investigations will be documented in applicable study reports.