Essa Road Interchange & Highway 400 Overpass Replacement (MTO Project)

Project Type
Road Construction
Status
In Progress
Estimated Completion
2025

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is constructing a new interchange at Essa Road and Highway 400, while also widening Essa Road to six lanes.

This construction project is being led by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and includes significant roadwork on highway 400, between Harvie Road and Tiffin Road, along with a widening of Essa Road to six lanes between Fairview Road and Bryne Drive/Ardagh Drive.

Project Updates

December 18, 2024

Green Infrastructure Partners Incorporated (GIP) will suspend construction activities for the winter season on Essa Road and Highway 400, with maintenance responsibilities transitioning to the City of Barrie Operations Team starting December 18, 2024. Construction operations are scheduled to resume in March 2025.

Project Coordination

MTO is the proponent for this project, however the City is a key stakeholder. The City and MTO are working collaboratively to incorporate transportation improvements that support the needs of both local residents and the travelling public at large. These improvements will enhance the transportation network and help mitigate traffic congestion.

City Infrastructure Impacts

  • Highway crossing widening (widening from 4 lanes to 6 lanes from Bryne Drive to east of Fairview Road)
  • Multi-use Path on the north side of the road from Bryne Drive to east of Fairview Road
  • Sidewalk on the south side.

Impacts to Vehicular & Pedestrian Traffic

At least one lane in both directions will remain in place for the majority of the season, but full closures are required at times. Please refer to project updates above for up-to-date information about traffic impacts. Please take extra caution when driving through a construction zone.

From June 2022 through November 2024, a Barrie Transit pedestrian shuttle service was provided to convey pedestrians through the work zone safely and conveniently at no charge. The shuttle service was in place until the sidewalk work was completed.

Please note that MTO & City staff reviewed traffic light timing in spring 2024. It was determined that, due to safety and construction protocols, the traffic light timing in the Essa Road construction zone must remain as is until additional lanes are opened up.

Project Scheduling

Please refer to the MTO’s project website for the most current information regarding project scheduling.

StageTiming
Design 2019–2021
Utilities2021 / 2022
ConstructionSpring 2022–2025