Construction begins to expand section of highway in southern Ontario

Construction has begun to expand a highway in southern Ontario.

The provincial government said work is underway to support the expansion of a section of Highway 3 in the St. Thomas area.

The project “will provide a critical link” to a new Volkswagen EV battery manufacturing facility that is also currently under construction, the province said.

“Our government is making historic investments in highway infrastructure to keep our roads safe while getting people and goods where they need to go,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

“The expansion of Highway 3 will connect people to good-paying jobs, support housing growth and help businesses access the workforce they need to drive economic growth.”

The province said it will be twinning a section of the highway.

Work is underway to support the expansion of almost seven kilometres of the highway from Centennial Avenue to Ron McNeil Line, where drivers will eventually be able to connect to the Talbotville Bypass.

Work on the bypass began in the summer of 2025 and runs from Highway 4 to Highway 3 at Ron McNeil Line.

“Once complete, the Talbotville Bypass and Highway 3 expansion will provide a direct connection from Highway 401 to St. Thomas, supporting residential, commercial and industrial growth throughout Elgin County as the province continues its work to build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy,” the government said.

The province said it is investing around $31 billion over 10 years to expand, build, and repair highways, roads, and bridges across Ontario.

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston said he is pleased to see “continued progress on Highway 3 twinning.”

“Advancing enabling works such as utility relocations and grading is an important milestone toward full construction beginning in 2027,” Preston said.