Belleville wants to make sure a new access at the city’s east end is included in the province’s future plans for Highway 401 in this area.
The preliminary plan, presented to city council at its Monday virtual meeting, outlines changes in the future for the list of bridges crossing the highway within the city’s borders, but does not include Belleville’s East Arterial Road (BEAR).
This would give access into the Northeast Industrial Park.
Over the years council has heard of increased truck traffic on city streets making their way to the industrial area.
The city has been advocating for a new access off the 401, east of Highway 37.
The MTO plan includes a Wallbridge-Loyalist Road interchange, Sidney Street crossing, the highways 62 and 37 interchanges, and Highway 401 widening.
It does not include BEAR but indicates it does not preclude it.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk told council, “This is an issue.”
Council authorized Mayor Mitch Panciuk to put forward to the MTO a strong position on another interchange, the Belleville East Arterial Road into the Northeast Industrial Park .
Councillor Paul Carr pointed out the MTO changes might not occur for many years and commended council for going ahead with plans for active transportation under the 401.
The presentation also included an update on repairs to the Norris Whitney Bridge, which will be expanded to four lanes with an active transportation trail under it.
That plan calls for a new bridge built parallel to the existing bridge.
The MTO will hold virtual public information sessions on both projects.
You can see the full report by scrolling down HERE
