Cochrane bypass road announced
After years of discussion, the Town of Cochrane is finally getting a highway bypass road.
Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney announced on June 16 that the government had approved construction of the project that will connect highways 652 and 11 outside town. The new bypass would promote safety and reduce congestion by diverting approximately 960 vehicles and 195 trucks per day away from municipal roads.
"This is a critical project as it will make it easier and safer for both travellers and truck drivers by reducing traffic on local municipal roads," said Mulroney. "We understand the unique transportation challenges of the North and are committed to ensuring everyone has access to a safe transportation network that supports northern businesses, communities and families. This also includes optimizing bus services and options for passenger rail service."
The bypass idea has been on the discussion table for decades in Cochrane. It became a priority for the town council in 2014 when a truck carrying potentially deadly sulphur dioxide rolled over in the town. The previous Liberal government had promised to build a bypass around the town for such traffic, but the project failed to materialize. The town later hired a lobbyist to help push the project forward. That move that appears to have worked.
The province says it is now proceeding with the planning, preliminary design and environmental assessment for the extension of Highway 652 to Highway 11 at Cochrane. The project, says the government, is part of a plan to build safer and better highways, and improve and modernize transportation in the North.
Construction of the first phase of the project is expected to begin later this year, and take two and a half years to complete. Once finished, the two-lane bypass will connect traffic on Highway 652 to highways 11, 574 and 579.
"Our government recognizes the need to improve transportation options for the people and businesses of Northern Ontario," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. "Today, we are taking the next step in this important project that will better connect Northeastern Ontario and help grow the local economy."
Project cost information is not yet available.