Highway 401 expansion continues with new off ramp, carpool lot

Those who often use Highway 401 through Kingston likely noticed something new yesterday morning.

On the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) opened the new off ramp from the highway to Gardiners Road (Highway 38). The new ramp is part of the larger Highway 401 expansion, which has been taking place for several years and will continue through the year ahead.

Additionally, a new carpool parking lot is being created where the previous off ramp to Gardiners Road from eastbound Highway 401 was located. At least part of that carpool lot will be open next week, according to the MTO.

“There is still work to be done on this interchange and on Highway 401,” said Brandy Duhaime, Regional Communications Coordinator for the MTO. “Reminder that the posted speed is 80km/hr on Highway 401 through this work zone and drivers should slow down.”

According to Duhaime, the Highway 401 expansion through the east end of Kingston will remain to two lanes until spring 2020.

“Although the wide shoulders in the median look like a third lane, it is not open to traffic,” she said. “The paving is not complete and it is not safe for heavy and continuous traffic. Please follow the pavement markings, stay in the two lanes, and reduce speed to 80km/hr.”