Province and County Negotiate Major Infrastructure Investment
The Ontario provincial government and Essex County are actively engaged in discussions regarding a potential $105 million upgrade to what officials have identified as the county's most dangerous intersection. The critical junction of Manning Road and County Road 22, which currently handles approximately 42,000 vehicles daily, is expected to face even greater pressure once Windsor's new NextStar Energy battery factory becomes fully operational.
A Pressing Need for Safety and Congestion Relief
During a recent visit to a Windsor construction site, Ontario's Transportation Minister, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, confirmed the government's commitment to finding a solution. He acknowledged that a project at Manning and County Road 22 would require a significant investment, potentially mirroring the new interchange being built at Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway. That nearby municipal project, valued at $110 million, is receiving substantial provincial support, which is notable as the Ontario government does not typically fund municipal road projects.
Sandra Zwiers, Chief Administrative Officer for Essex County, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating the intersection is not only the most congested but also the most dangerous in the county. She warned that the traffic problem is poised to worsen significantly without a proactive solution developed in partnership with the province.
Local Support and Future Growth
Local MPP Andrew Dowie (PC — Windsor-Tecumseh) is actively involved in the talks and expressed his personal interest in seeing the intersection improved. He confirmed that several potential solutions are being considered to address the traffic challenges. The primary catalyst for this infrastructure push is the forthcoming NextStar Energy Inc. battery factory, which is projected to employ 2,500 people and substantially increase traffic volume in the corridor. The provincial and county governments are aiming to get ahead of the problem by planning this major upgrade to support regional economic growth and ensure public safety.
