Highway 6, 401 underpass replacement in Puslinch to begin next year

PUSLINCH – Highway 401 at Brock Road/Highway 6 in Puslinch is getting a rework and the public has a chance to weigh in from June 26 to July 9.

Officials with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and its consultants presented the proposed plan to Puslinch council on June 17.

This work is Phase 3 of a multi-phased plan for the long-awaited Highway 6 bypass around Morriston.

Phase 1 was a new Concession 7 bridge replacement over the 401 and Phase 2 was the new midblock interchange from Highway 6 to County Road 34.

Phase 3 will deal more directly with the interchange at 401 and Brock Road and replace the existing underpass, which is approaching the end of its service life.

The preferred design will see the carpool parking lot south of Highway 401 relocated to the northwest quadrant of the interchange and a multi-use active transportation path proposed through the interchange.

The environmental assessment to date has found habitat for species at risk in the study area, but groundwater in the area is considered to have a low to medium vulnerability for contamination from the ground surface.

Air quality is expected to exceed provincial standards but noise levels are expected to fall below provincial guidelines.

There are no direct impacts to built heritage resources or cultural heritage landscapes.

Consultants are working on ways to mitigate those identified risk areas.

Geoff Coy, consulting project manager with AECOM Canada, the MTO’s consultant, said there will be six on and off ramps, a new set of traffic lights by the relocated carpool lot and lays the groundwork for a future connection to the bypass.

Council was interested in the details of the active transportation pathway, that seems dangerous given the limited information provided at the meeting, although council acknowledged a pedestrian route from Aberfoyle to Morriston is needed.

Mayor James Seeley said he would prefer the pathway be on the east side of the interchange as most development is on the east side of Highway 6.

Coy said once the Public Information Centre closes, that information will be considered as part of the final evaluation.

He said early works, such as tree clearing and utility relocations are expected over the winter and construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

It will take about three years to complete the project.

Anyone interested in commenting can find a link at highways6and401hamiltontoguelph.ca.