Premier Ford Proposes Massive Tunnel Under Highway 401 to Combat GTA Gridlock, Opposition Calls It a ‘Silly Thought
Highway 401 is already the busiest highway in Canada and average travel times on this highway are expected to double by 2051.
With the possibility of an early election on the horizon, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled an ambitious infrastructure project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). On Wednesday, Ford announced plans to explore the construction of a massive tunnel beneath Highway 401, potentially one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the world.
“This tunnel and expressway will cut gridlock, support economic growth, and help get people moving faster,” Ford stated during a press conference in Etobicoke. He emphasized his determination to push forward with the project, regardless of the findings from an internal feasibility study.
The Ministry of Transportation is tasked with examining the possibility of a tunnel stretching from Brampton or Mississauga in the west to Scarborough or Markham in the east, connecting major roads along the way. This stretch would span approximately 55 kilometers, making it a significant engineering feat. Importantly, the tunnel would accommodate public transit and, according to Ford, would not impose tolls on drivers.
The feasibility study will assess various factors, including the potential length, cost, and timeframe for completion. Ford explained that the study would help clarify whether the tunnel should span 30, 40, or even 60 kilometers, allowing the government to make an informed decision.
However, Ford remains adamant about completing the project: “We’re going to get the job done, mark my words,” he asserted.
The proposed tunnel, which Ford suggests could rival major infrastructure projects worldwide, would be a crucial step in alleviating the severe traffic congestion that plagues the GTA. The project would be groundbreaking—Norway’s Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel, measures only 24.5 kilometers in comparison.
While Ford expressed enthusiasm for the plan, opposition leaders were quick to criticize the proposal. NDP Leader Marit Stiles dismissed the tunnel as a “silly thought from a government that has run out of ideas,” pointing to the potential for disruption, high costs, and lengthy delays.
Stiles also referenced Boston’s infamous “Big Dig” tunnel project, which took 25 years to complete and became the most expensive highway project in U.S. history. “Has he thought about this for more than five minutes?” Stiles asked. “This is not a serious proposal; this is not a serious premier.”
Similarly, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie questioned the motivations behind the project, insinuating potential cronyism. In a social media post, she asked, “The real question today is which of Doug’s rich buddies would benefit from this? Who has he made promises to?”
Despite the criticism, Ford maintained that Ontario must continue investing in large-scale infrastructure projects to tackle escalating traffic congestion. According to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, traffic gridlock costs Ontario an estimated $11 billion annually in lost productivity. The Ministry of Transportation also projects that within the next decade, all major highways in the GTA will be operating at full capacity, with travel times on Highway 401 expected to double by 2051.
“We can’t just sit by and let this happen. We need to keep building,” Ford said, reaffirming his commitment to the project and addressing the need for forward-thinking solutions to Ontario’s traffic issues.
As discussions around the tunnel project continue, all eyes will be on the feasibility study and its implications for the future of transit in the GTA. With gridlock costing both time and money, Ford’s bold proposal could be a game-changer—if it can overcome the hurdles of cost and complexity.