EDITORS NOTE: This article originally appeared on Oakville News on Oct. 9.
Today reporters got a close look at the progress on the Wyecroft Road extension, a project that will create a new roadway connecting Oakville and Burlington.
According to the region, the project is slated for completion in 2026 and will include a four-lane roadway, a bridge, multi-use pathways, new on-road bike lanes, and provisions to maintain clean drinking water.
The expanded road will go over Bronte Creek and will connect Wyecroft Road starting from Burloak Drive.
"We do anticipate it will alleviate some of the pressure from local roads," said Jacek Pawlus, manager of capital engineering and construction at Halton Region.
Pawlus said the project has been progressing well, and there are no indications of potential delays at this time.
Said Ward 1 Councillor Sean O'Meara, "Anyone who tries to drive down Third Line, Bronte, Burloak, or Appleby Line between three and six o'clock knows that people need to get across the bridge, and the QEW is not an option."
"These east-west connections are crucial for alleviating traffic and congestion in both directions."
Regional Chair Gary Carr also emphasized the importance of the connection between Oakville and Burlington in easing traffic for commuters. "I'm excited that it will alleviate a lot of the traffic, people are spending a lot of time going across our internal travels in Halton Region, they're finding it takes a long time," said Carr.
"This is going to alleviate that and make it a lot better for everybody in terms of getting around and to spend more time with their families."
Carr says the project will cost about $117 million with the province having assisted with over $50 million in funding.