Construction has begun on a nearly seven-kilometre expansion of Highway 3 in St. Thomas, a project the Ontario government says will improve road safety and strengthen transportation links to the city’s growing industrial sector, including Volkswagen’s electric-vehicle battery plant. Crews have started work to twin Highway 3 between Centennial Avenue and Ron McNeil Line. The project will eventually connect with the future Talbotville Bypass, creating a direct route from Highway 401 into St. Thomas. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the expansion will help accommodate future growth in the region. “These projects will provide a direct connection from Highway 401 to St. Thomas, supporting residential, commercial, industrial growth throughout Elgin County. They will also improve access to the St. Thomas Industrial Park and the Volkswagen EV battery manufacturing plant currently under construction.” The highway expansion is one of several infrastructure projects tied to the construction of Volkswagen’s $7 billion PowerCo electric-vehicle battery manufacturing facility, announced in 2023. The plant is expected to create thousands of jobs once operational. Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli said the province continues to promote Ontario as a destination for investment amid ongoing trade uncertainty with the U.S. “Companies want to come here in this war that we’re in with the U.S. You’ve seen the Prime Minister, you’ve seen our government traveling the world looking to bring new partners in. Saint Thomas is a great location for them.” The Talbotville Bypass, which has been under construction since last summer, will extend from Highway 4 to Highway 3 at Ron McNeil Line. Once complete, it will provide a continuous connection between Highway 401 and St. Thomas. Elgin-Middlesex London MPP Rob Flack said the projects are intended to improve transportation for commuters while supporting business and emergency services. “People need to be able to get to work safely and efficiently. Businesses need reliable transportation corridors to move goods and attract investment. Emergency services need dependable routes, and families deserve less time sitting in traffic and more time at home,” he said. The province says the Highway 3 expansion is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and provide better access to the St. Thomas Industrial Park as development in the region continues. Ontario has committed approximately $31 billion over the next decade toward highway, road and bridge construction and rehabilitation across the province.
