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New Highway 7 – Kitchener to Guelph
Progress Update; GWP 408-88-00

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) continues to move forward with new Highway 7 from Kitchener to Guelph following a three-phase approach:

Phase 1 – Construction (Completed)

Phase 1 of new Highway 7 construction began in 2015 when the Guelph Street overpass was widened to accommodate the future interchange at Highway 85.  Phase 1 construction included:

  • Widening the Guelph Street bridge (completed 2015)
  • Widening and extending Shirley Avenue in Kitchener (completed 2017)
  • Relocation of municipal utilities at the Victoria Street Bridge over Highway 85 in Kitchener (completed 2017)
  • Clearing vegetation and fencing in select areas along the new Highway 7 right-of-way between Kitchener and Guelph (completed in 2018)
  • Replacement of the Victoria Street Bridge over Highway 85 in Kitchener (completed in 2019)

Phase 2 – New Highway 7 Grand River Bridges 

A Design and Construction Report (DCR) that documents the Detailed Design of the new Grand River Bridges and associated environmental mitigation measures is now available for 30-day public review from September 27, 2023 to October 26, 2023.

Notice is posted on the project website www.NewHighway7.ca, published in local newspapers, and sent to persons on the project mailing list. If there are no significant outstanding concerns at the end of the 30-day public review period for the DCR, the project can move towards the construction stage.

Phase 3 – Completion of New Highway 7 (In Design)

The design for new Highway 7 from Kitchener to Guelph project is also progressing. WSP is updating the natural, social and cultural environmental conditions and developing mitigation measures; undertaking detailed soil and foundation investigations and analysis; and continuing detailed engineering work.

Advanced construction for Phase 3 includes:

  • Highway 7 and Frederick Street underpass replacement in Kitchener (tender 2023)
  • Highway 6 (Hanlon Parkway) and Woodlawn Road Interchange in Guelph
  • Guelph Junction Railway Modifications
  • Two Species At Risk (SAR) habitat restoration projects
    • Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark (started in 2022)
    • Little Brown Myotis