KAWARTHA LAKES-The province has announced it will begin a Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment Study for replacement of structures, intersection improvements, and widening of Highway 35 from two lanes to four/five lanes from Highway 7 to Thunder Bridge Road.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Egis to carry out the Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study.
The Preliminary Design is following the approved planning process for a Group ‘B’ project in accordance with the Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000). The Preliminary Design will include the generation and evaluation of alternatives, based on technical and environmental factors for the following:
- Widening of Highway 35 to a four/five lane cross-section and intersection improvements from Highway 7 to Thunder Bridge Road for 3.8 km;
- Realignment of Highway 35 from Colborne Street West to Highway 7;
- Intersection improvements at Highway 35 and 7 and Highway 35 and Thunder Bridge Road;
- Removal of the Kent Street West former CNR Overhead Bridge, and
- Replacement of structural culverts.
Consultation will take place throughout the study. Two (2) In-Person Public Information Centres (PICs) will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to comment.
Upon completion of the Preliminary Design, a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) will be prepared. The TESR will document the existing conditions of the study area, the evaluation of the alternatives, and identify the preferred plan and commitments to future work. The TESR will be made available for a 30-day comment period at the completion of the Preliminary Design.
