Wedoany.com Report on Feb 13th, The newly established Major Highway Projects Branch within Ontario's Ministry of Transportation is advancing several critical infrastructure projects. Launched in July of last year, the branch aims to accelerate the implementation of the government's priority infrastructure projects through innovative contracts, improved planning and design, and enhanced procurement and delivery efficiency. Assistant Deputy Minister Malvika Rudra reported on progress at the Ontario Road Builders' Association conference in Toronto, noting room for process improvements.
"We are seeing very strong momentum on the major projects portfolio," said Rudra. She described the branch as a "pipeline within a pipeline," adding, "We recognize the need to increase transparency, avoid procurement bunching, and provide time to build consortia and partnerships to accelerate delivery targets." The branch covers six major projects, including Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, the QEW Garden City Skyway, Highway 3 widening, the Fire Ring Road project, and the Highway 401 tunnel.
Among the Major Highway Projects Branch's work, early works for Highway 413 have begun, including the completion of the 401/407 interchange embankment and paving work on Highway 10 underway. The construction manager contract for the central section of the Bradford Bypass was awarded in January 2026. "Work is underway on all sections of the corridor, with shovels in the ground this spring," Rudra said. Early works for the Fire Ring Road project are progressing, with the main construction contract expected to be tendered in 2026; early work for the Garden City Skyway twin bridge development phase begins in February; new lane construction for Highway 3 widening is ongoing; and the feasibility study for the Highway 401 tunnel was awarded in October 2025.
The branch issued tenders for over 80 major capital projects in 2025, with a total construction value of approximately $1.4 billion. Over the next four years, tenders for more than 400 major construction projects are anticipated, with over 120 carry-over projects at the start of this fiscal year, valued at about $4.4 billion. The Ministry of Transportation also released a winter update to its Highway Plan, which includes 627 projects—579 rehabilitation and 48 expansion projects. Ninety-four were completed in 2025, 100 are underway, and 138 are expected to launch in 2026.
Assistant Deputy Minister Jasan Boparai discussed maintenance procurement, noting the provincial highway network has over 40,000 lane-kilometres of pavement and 3,000 bridges, with this year's maintenance program spending over $800 million. "It's a significant number, and I encourage capital contractors to cross over into the highway maintenance space," he said. Regarding highway worker safety, Boparai mentioned the ministry is seeking amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to improve roadside worker protection by requiring drivers to slow down and move over when approaching work vehicles with flashing lights. "We are seeking feedback from the industry and everyone through public engagement," he said. The ongoing progress of the Major Highway Projects Branch will support Ontario's infrastructure development.
