TORONTO — Ontario is exploring the idea of digging a massive tunnel under Highway 401 to move traffic and transit across the Toronto area, with Premier Doug Ford pledging to build it regardless of what a feasibility study says.
Ford provided no cost estimates or timeline for the project when announcing his plans Wednesday.
"The reason we're having a feasibility study is it's going to determine the length," Ford said at a news conference in Toronto alongside Highway 401.
"If they're telling me, 30 kilometres is x, 40 kilometres is y, and 70 kilometres or 60 kilometres is another cost, let's take a look at it. That will determine the length of this tunnel and that's why we're doing the feasibility study. But we're going to get the job done, mark my words."
Ford said the project could stretch from Mississauga, Ont., in the west to Markham, Ont., in the east.
He said the tunnelling would go smoother than Boston’s infamous “big dig” that was beset by delays and massive cost overruns.
That project took 25 years to complete and cost at least $8 billion.
"That's not going to happen here," Ford said. "We're experts at tunnelling."
The premier said Ontario is "growing too fast" and residents need support, in addition to his government's plans to build several highways outside Toronto, including Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.
"Drivers in the Toronto area spend 98 hours every year stuck in rush-hour traffic when they'd rather be home with their family, spending time with friends and loved ones," Ford said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2024.
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
