The Ontario government has announced an investment of $5 million to support the construction of a new highway interchange in south Ottawa.

Announced as part of the new deal between the province and the City of Ottawa, the interchange will be built at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road. The deal includes up to $181 million for critical transportation projects, including rehabilitation and maintenance of Ottawa Road 174 and funding for the Kanata North Transitway.

"The provincial government understands the unique challenges our city faces. This new funding shows how committed they are to supporting the population growth and development in Ottawa and all of eastern Ontario,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “Advancing the design and construction of a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road will improve infrastructure and connectivity within our communities. It’s a game changer and will transform the way we move around our great city.”

The province will work with the City of Ottawa to plan and design the Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road interchange, which will serve the communities of Barrhaven, Manotick and Richmond.

Last year, the province completed an Environmental Assessment and proposed a preliminary design of the interchange which would provide commuters with access to Highway 416 at Barnsdale Road.

The interchange is among the more than 50 actions identified in the government’s Connecting the East: A draft transportation plan for eastern Ontario.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested approximately $425 million in highway and bridge improvements in the Ottawa region, including replacing nine bridges at four locations on Highway 417.

Across the province, the government is investing more than $3.8 billion in 2024-25 to deliver the Ontario Highways Program, which features 650 expansion and rehabilitation projects and will support roughly 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.