Ontario’s buried Highway 401 tunnel studies spark calls for transparency
Four years ago, work on the Highway 401 tunnel plan was paused due to financial and construction challenges. Now, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is calling for the studies to be made public.
The paused work included risks such as potential roadway collapse and securing financing. The Ontario provincial government awarded a $9.1 million contract to study the feasibility of the tunnel to WSP Canada Inc. However, the Ministry of Transportation has refused to release the already completed studies, citing privacy concerns. Premier Doug Ford dismissed the internal studies, stating they won't relate to his plans going forward. The Ministry has denied a freedom of information request to release any part of the paused report. Ontario Liberal MPP John Fraser has urged that the completed studies should be released before any more is paid for the project.
Despite the pause in work and the refusal to release studies, the province has signed a $9.1 million agreement with WSP Canada Inc. to re-study the Highway 401 tunnel plan. The public awaits further updates on the project's status and the release of the completed studies.
