Highly anticipated $80M overpass in Barrie nearly open
After five years and nearly $80 million, a new overpass in Barrie's south end is about to open.
Motorists have been driving under the new Harvie Road overpass for months, and in mere days, the bridge will be open for drivers to use.
The first plans were drawn up for the $76 million overpass five years ago. After three years of construction, the city says there are only a few small things left to do before it can open.
"We need to work on some of the street lighting, we're trying to get those powered up, and we also have some safety handrails to finish up and do some of the last-minute traffic light adjustments," said Bala Araniyasundaran, the director of infrastructure for the City of Barrie.
The city hopes to get it open before Mon. June 28.
The City's population is expected to skyrocket over the next couple of decades, and the City says this new look will help make people's lives easier and less stressful.
"This is a vital crossing across the highway 400, so it really relieves the congestion that we have in the south end where Mapleview drive is the primary crossing," said Araniyasundaran.
"This just gives that ultimate route for the traffic and will be critical in relieving the congestion we have in the south end."
The City expects about 20,000 vehicles to use the overpass daily once it's open. That number is expected to double in the next 15 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.