Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 62 and County Road 1 will start this spring. The project is now in detailed design.

Mark McCullloch of Stantec Consulting and Ben Goernert, Senior Project Engineer at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, were at Planning and Development last week with an update. 

Construction is estimated at $7 to $8 million and expected to take just 4-5 months. 

“I can’t tell you how much we need this project completed. It’s been a very long time coming,” Mayor Ferguson said.

A roundabout at the dangerous intersection was identified as the preferred design in 2024. It received environmental clearance in February 2025.

The intersection has been the subject of safety concerns for years. When MTO began its background study in 2023, 25 collisions were reported in the previous five years, 10 of which involved personal injury. The study considered both a roundabout and traffic signals with left-turn lanes.

Mr. Goenert said the project is on an expedited schedule because of the intersection’s sensitivity and collision history. “It has been a directive from the minister,” he said.

The design was adjusted to accommodate the large agricultural equipment that regularly travels County roads.

 “Larger farm vehicles can mount that curb and use that asphalt shoulder,” Mr. McCulloch, said, pointing to the design.

Councillor McNaughton wondered if going up on the shoulder would be sufficient.

“From a farmer’s perspective, it looks good,” responded Councillor Prinzen.

Construction will involve lane shifts and single-lane closures with flaggers. Nearby businesses and private properties will still be accessible.

“Are we going to have 24/7 coverage to ensure that the traffic keeps moving safely?” Councillor Pennell asked.

Mr. Goernert said emergency vehicles would be able to get through, although full closure would be required for some of the road paving.

The project will also involve vegetation and tree removal, changes to some property entrances, and drainage.

Councillor McNaughton also addressed multiple environmental implications.

A public information centre is scheduled for Sept. 1. The public can review and comment on the plans until Sept. 16.