A major traffic overhaul in Windsor is now complete, with the newly reconstructed intersection at Howard Avenue, Sydney Avenue, and Division Road officially opening to the public on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
A Major Infrastructure Investment
The $19-million project represents a significant investment in the city's road network. According to City of Windsor Engineer Patrick Muzyka, the rebuild was designed to address long-standing congestion and safety issues in one of the municipality's busiest corridors, located near the popular Devonshire Mall.
"The improvements should substantially improve traffic patterns in the area," Muzyka stated, highlighting the project's primary goal.
Key Changes and Improvements
The complex project involved several critical modifications to the existing road layout and infrastructure. The previous configuration, which included an intersection at Howard Avenue and South Cameron Boulevard, has been eliminated.
Major components of the work include:
- Relocating the CN Rail crossing to the newly extended section of Sydney Avenue to the west.
- Introducing a new, signalized intersection at Howard and Sydney avenues.
- Widening a portion of Division Road to improve capacity.
- Upgrading traffic signals at all three intersections for better coordination.
Muzyka emphasized the safety benefits, particularly concerning the railway tracks. "There's some interconnection between CN signals and our two traffic signals," he explained. This system allows the traffic lights to change their timing in advance of a train, helping to clear vehicles from the tracks and prevent dangerous blockages.
Beyond Traffic: Comprehensive Upgrades
The project scope extended far beyond just repaving roads. It included substantial underground and ancillary work to ensure long-term functionality and resilience. Crews installed new storm and sanitary sewers, upgraded water mains, and put in electrical systems for modern street lighting.
The improvements also enhance accessibility and active transportation with the addition of new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and work on the multi-use trail network.
While most construction was finished in December, the full opening was delayed to allow CN to complete its safety signal upgrades, ensuring all systems communicated properly before the intersection went live.
For daily commuters and shoppers in the area, the changes promise a smoother drive. Muzyka acknowledged past frustrations, specifically for drivers trying to turn onto Howard from South Cameron. The redesigned flow is expected to make northbound travel on Howard Avenue approaching the new intersection much more efficient.
With the ribbon cut, Windsor residents can now experience the results of this multi-million dollar effort to modernize a key piece of the city's transportation puzzle.
