The Province of Ontario has taken another step toward widening of Highway 401 between Tilbury and London, and toward improved safety. Ontario is proceeding with an Expression of Interest to procure a contractor to widen and install concrete median barriers on the first 11 km of the project between Tilbury and Merlin Road in Chatham-Kent.

Highway 401 between Tilbury and London sees approximately on average of 23,300 vehicles every day. Highway 401 is part of the Windsor/Sarnia–Quebec corridor, which includes two-thirds of the freight transported by commercial vehicles between Ontario and the United States.

"We are committed to making sure that our transportation system works for all Ontarians," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "Ontario's roads are among the safest in North America – and our government intends to keep it that way."

The project involves widening 11 km of Highway 401 from four to six lanes, a new storm sewer system, safety improvements, and the construction of the concrete median barrier. Building a concrete median barrier will help improve safety and reduce the likelihood of cross median collisions.

The province released its first regional transportation plan, “Connecting the Southwest: A Draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario”, in January 2020. The Ministry of Transportation says, “It includes real, practical improvements to connect people to places and ensure a seamless transit experience.”