Initial Construction

As a component of The Windsor-Essex Parkway, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is proceeding with the detail design of two bridges and a noise barrier. One bridge is located where Highway 3 will pass over the proposed Windsor-Essex Parkway and the other will provide a future off-ramp from Highway 401 westbound to Highway 3 and the realigned Howard Avenue. The initial construction will also include approximately two kilometres of noise barrier, five metres high, adjacent to the Southwood Lakes community, from Howard Avenue to North Talbot Road. The detail design for the remaining components of The Windsor-Essex Parkway will be addressed in future design stages, dependent upon Environmental Assessment (EA) approval.

Technical Studies

Exhaustive technical studies based on seven important evaluation factors – changes to air quality, protection of community and neighbourhood features, consistency with existing and planned land use, protection of cultural resources, protection of the natural environment, improvements to regional mobility, and cost and constructability – have helped the study team identify a long-term solution to traffic congestion and meet future transportation needs.

Community Input

The DRIC study team has engaged local residents and business owners, elected officials and stakeholders in nearly 300 community consultation events. As a result of these sessions, the study team has heard that residents want improved quality of life, improved movement of traffic and trucks off local streets. The study team also heard your concerns regarding noise, visual design and air quality.

The Windsor-Essex Parkway

The Windsor-Essex Parkway is the result of community consultation and extensive technical studies. It is the right solution that best balances impacts with benefits. It addresses transportation concerns and community concerns.

The Windsor-Essex Parkway will be the most significant single highway investment made in Ontario history. This project will lead to an estimated 12,000 project-related jobs in Ontario, with the majority in the Windsor-Essex region. This modern, state-of-the-art Parkway will support existing industry, attract new investment and create business opportunities in Windsor-Essex, Ontario and all of Canada. Traffic, trade, goods and people will flow safely and smoothly across this international corridor, sending a clear message that Windsor-Essex is open for business.

The Ministry of Transportation will work with Infrastructure Ontario (IO) in the procurement and associated financing in the delivery of The Windsor-Essex Parkway utilizing an alternative financing and procurement delivery method (AFP).

A Border Transporation Partnership of:
Transport Canada
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Michigan Department of Transportation