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Welcome to the website for the Highway 61 Planning and Preliminary Design Study (G.W.P. 6033-17-00). This website has been established to provide project information and collect your comments on the study. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained BT Engineering (BTE) to assist with this study.
MTO, as the project proponent, is undertaking a Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities (Group ‘B’ Project) Study to define a plan for improvements to a 9.2 km section of Highway 61 from 0.5 km south of Arthur Street to 0.5 km south of Loch Lomond Road. This Study is part of ministry’s long-range transportation planning initiatives to ensure future highway needs are addressed for Highway 61.
This study follows the recent highway planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Thunder Bay Expressway completed by MTO for a controlled access freeway from Arthur Street northerly to Balsam Street, GWP 6001-13-00. The continuation of this planning to the south is a proactive step by MTO to achieve design consistency on the Provincial road network. The study will consider widening improvements to satisfy both short term and long term planning horizons, and will consider the safety and operation of the corridor.
The first Public Information Centre (PIC) was held from October 4, 2021 to October 18, 2021. PIC exhibits are available to view on the Public Consultation page. A “live online” presentation by BTE was held on Tuesday October 12, 2021.
The second PIC is scheduled for October 5, 2023. PIC exhibits are available to view on the Public Consultation page. You are invited to attend the second of three Public Information Centres (PICs) which will present the evaluation of alternatives and technical recommendations. There will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns with MTO staff and members of the consulting team and to provide written comments. Please join us at the PIC scheduled on:
Date: October 5, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, presentation at 7:00 pm
Location: South Neebing Community Centre, 1841 Mountain Road, Thunder Bay
Please be advised that this is an accessible location in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.