The Ontario Ministry of Transportation completed a Group ‘B’ Class EA and Preliminary Design Study in 2019 to undertake improvements to the Highway 401 interchange at Palace Road (GWP 4197-13-00), located within the current Study #2 study area. The process was documented in the Highway 401 Interchange Improvements at Palace Road Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Study Transportation Environmental Study Report (March 2019).
As part of the current Study #2, the previously approved Palace Road Interchange Technically Preferred Plan (as illustrated) was revisited to assess compatibility with an interim and ultimate footprint of Highway 401, as well as accommodation of a potential 130 km/h design speed of Highway 401. Based on this review, no significant modifications to the previously approved configuration are recommended.
As the Palace Road Interchange Technically Preferred Plan advances to Detail Design, advancement of the Napanee River Bridge (Site 17X-0062/B0) from the current Study #2 project is required due to its proximity to Palace Road and thus, has been added to the scope of work as a separate Class EA and Preliminary Design study (GWP 4040-20-00). Standalone environmental reports and a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) will be prepared for the bridge’s Preliminary Design. These are being prioritized ahead of the remaining Study #2 works.
Key Project Milestones and Timelines for the
Napanee River Bridge Class EA and Preliminary Design study (GWP 4040‑20‑00)
Spring 2026
Supplementary Investigations by Environmental and Drainage Teams
Spring / Summer 2026
Draft / Final Environmental Specialist Studies & Technical Reports
Summer / Fall 2026
Finalize TESR and Issue Notice of Completion with 30-day comment period
Fall 2026
Recommended Plan
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