Ontario Replacing Two Key Highway 401 Bridges Near Port Hope to Support Future Widening
Province advancing multi-billion-dollar plan to strengthen transportation infrastructure and reduce gridlock
PORT HOPE — The Ontario government has announced the replacement of two critical Highway 401 structures — the Choate Road Overpass and Ganaraska River Bridge — in a move that will lay the groundwork for the future widening of Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.
The project is part of the province’s $30 billion infrastructure plan to upgrade highways, roads, and bridges, aimed at protecting Ontario’s economy and ensuring thousands of workers stay employed despite ongoing U.S. tariffs and global uncertainty.
“Replacing these bridges near Port Hope is vital for eastern Ontario,” said Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria. “It paves the way for widening Highway 401 and will save time for the over 50,000 drivers who rely on this stretch every day.”
A Strategic Investment in Port Hope
Construction on the new bridge and overpass will also include resurfacing Highway 401 from west of County Road 2/Toronto Road to east of Cranberry Road — a heavily traveled segment supporting both commuter and commercial traffic.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky of the Municipality of Port Hope welcomed the upgrades, calling them essential for long-term regional growth and safety.
“This project represents a significant investment in the future of Port Hope’s transportation infrastructure,” said Hankivsky. “We are pleased to work in partnership with the Ontario government to bring this vision to life.”
Local MPP David Piccini also emphasized the broader impact of the project.
“Families in Port Hope and surrounding areas deserve to spend more time at home and less time in traffic,” said Piccini. “This is about protecting jobs, reducing gridlock and keeping Ontario competitive.”
Infrastructure That Moves Ontario Forward
According to the Ministry of Transportation, over 10,000 transport trucks travel this section of Highway 401 daily, carrying an estimated $380 million worth of goods. The highway is one of the most vital economic corridors in Canada, and investments in its infrastructure are seen as essential to trade, safety, and job security.
The project will support hundreds of construction jobs each year — including engineers, operators, and skilled trades — and builds on the 20 Highway 401 bridges already replaced in eastern Ontario to accommodate future expansion.
The Ministry confirmed that additional planning studies are underway for further bridge and interchange improvements across the Highway 401 corridor, forming part of a long-term blueprint to reduce gridlock, boost productivity, and reinforce Ontario’s economic resilience.
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