Work has officially started on a project that the Ontario government claims will be essential for access to Volkswagen’s new Power Co battery factory in St. Thomas, Ont.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli, and Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack came together to share that construction is now underway on a 6.7-kilometre expansion of Highway 3.
“Highway 3 is a vital corridor that connects our communities and supports thousands of daily commuters, commercial vehicles and visitors,” said Flack.
“Our region continues to grow. Investing in this highway will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of economic growth.”
Since Ontario and Volkswagen announced the $7-billion battery plant in 2023, governments have been focused on expanding roads, sewer capacity, and other infrastructure surrounding the site.
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Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, right, speaks to reporters after being introduced by local MPP and Housing Minister Rob Flack on Tuesday. (Alessio Donnini/CBC News)
The plant, run by Volkswagen subsidiary Power Co, is anticipated to drive significant population and economic growth in St. Thomas and nearby communities. Officials say it will generate over 3,000 direct jobs along with thousands more indirect jobs across the region.
Recently, Norwegian battery materials company Vianode announced plans to build a synthetic graphite plant in the area, which should create around 1,000 jobs and increase infrastructure needs even further.
The project will duplicate a 6.7-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 between Centennial Avenue and Ron Mc Neil Line, effectively doubling its capacity.
The expanded highway is expected to connect with the Talbotville Bypass that’s already under construction. Together, Sarkaria noted that these two projects will establish a direct link between Highway 401 and the vicinity around the upcoming Power Co gigafactory.
“This [is] exciting news that is going to be good for commuters; it’s going to be good for families; and it’s going to be good for businesses across the area,” said Sarkaria.
Officials expressed hope that the highway expansion would finish just in time for the battery plant’s planned opening in 2027; however, they did not guarantee this timeline.
“We’re really trying to time the opening of both with the eventual opening of the [Power Co plant,” said Sarkaria. “So the biggest thing on any construction project is getting the shovels in the ground. As you can see, we’ve gotten shovels in the ground on these projects here.”
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Gratitude from municipal leaders
Speaking on behalf of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston who couldn’t make it to this event, Coun. Jeff Kohler shared that the community appreciates provincial investments into Highway 3. “The city of St. Thomas welcomes the province’s continued progress on Highway 3,” Kohler said. “The investment will enhance transportation safety and improve connectivity for our residents, businesses, and visitors.” Kohler also mentioned that an expanded highway would support ongoing economic growth for St. Thomas as well as southwestern Ontario.Source link
