Ford government plans to expand Highway 401 to 3 lanes across eastern Ontario

The proposed widening of the highway also includes a new interchange in Belleville to deter transport trucks from driving through the city.

It’s the busiest highway in North America, and it’s slated for a facelift.

As part of the 2022 budget, the Ford government is promising to add a third lane for both east and westbound Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.

“Adding those lanes on either side, going to six lanes all the way across, I think will make it easier,” says Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith.

“Certainly it will make it safer. You’ll have the trucks, hopefully, mostly on the two right lanes, and have passenger vehicles being able to travel on the inside lane.”

Belleville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the province and also sits in the heart of the Montreal-Toronto corridor.

This expansion will allow the city to grow, both residentially and commercially.

“It allows us to grow,” says Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk.

“The industrial park — we’re almost at full capacity. We’re going to have to grow farther to the east, and this allows that to happen.”