Middlesex Bridges

Project Overview

Westchester Bourne (Middlesex Road 74) (GWP 3053-11-00)

The Westchester Bourne Bridge and Interchange was originally constructed in 1956. Minor repairs were completed in 2009. The bridge has been identified for replacement due to its current deteriorated condition and to accommodate the future widening of Highway 401.

As documented in the Transportation Environmental Study Report for the project (available for download below) the preferred plan for replacement includes:

Replacement of the underpass and realignment of the underpass and Westchester Bourne to the west side of the existing underpass. Reconfiguration of the interchange ramps and realignment of Cromarty Drive south on Westchester Bourne
It is expected that traffic will be maintained on Westchester Bourne except for some short duration closures. Long-term closures are expected at the interchange ramps during construction. The total duration of construction is expected to be approximately 1 to 1.5 years

Dorchester Road (Middlesex Road 32) (GWP 3053-11-00)

Constructed in 1955, the Dorchester Road Underpass and Interchange carries four lanes of traffic over Highway 401 in the Municipality of Thames Centre. The bridge has been identified for replacement to address operational needs and accommodate the future widening of Highway 401.

As documented in the Transportation Environmental Study Report for the project (available for download below) the preferred plan for replacement includes:

Replacement of the underpass including a slight realignment of Dorchester Road to the east at the existing underpass and interchange ramp reconfiguration
Dorchester Road at Highway 401 and the interchange ramps will be fully closed during construction for approximately 1 year. The total duration of construction is expected to be approximately 1 to 1.5 years
A signed detour route will be in place during closures

Elgin Road (Middlesex Road 73) (GWP 3053-11-00)

The Elgin Road Bridge and Interchange was originally constructed in 1957. The bridge has been identified for replacement to address operational needs and accommodate the future widening of Highway 401.

As documented in the Transportation Environmental Study Report for the project (available for download below) the preferred plan for replacement includes:

Replacement of the underpass in the same location as the existing underpass. Interchange ramps will be reconfigured.
Elgin Road at Highway 401 and the interchange ramps will be closed for the duration of construction (approximately one construction season)
A signed detour route will be place during closures of Elgin Road.

Project Status

A Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) was prepared for each of the three underpasses following MTO's Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000). Each underpass was completed as its own Class Environmental Assessment as a Group "B" undertaking. The three TESRs were made available for a 30-day public review period from January 20, 2016 to February 19, 2016 as outlined in the Notice of Completion (available for download below). Clearance for each of the three projects to proceed to detail design was issued as follows:

Westchester Bourne - Clearance issued March 2016. Project awaiting construction. Construction website will be launched in the future
Dorchester Road - Clearance issued April 2017. Project awaiting construction. Construction website will be launched in the future.
Elgin Road - Clearance issued March 2016. Project awaiting construction. Construction website will be launched in the future.

Detail design for each of the three structures will be initiated by MTO in the future. For information regarding timing of construction activities please refer to the MTO Southern Highways Program (HERE)