Ontario to hear citizen voices over Hwy. 3 traffic

Premier Ford visited Windsor weeks ago and unveiled a draft transportation plan.  Along with it, the Tories released a transportation survey for the residents of Southwestern Ontario to voice their opinions.

Marissa Wingerden works as a scheduler with Amy’s Helping Hands and commutes daily from Kingsville to Windsor. She knows how dangerous a two-lane highway can be.

“I find as soon as you get to the widened area of Number 3, traffic runs so much smoother,” Wingerden said. “It feels less dangerous because there’s less people weaving in and out of cars constantly. I think an expansion would be a huge problem solver.”

OPP Constable Jim Root believes that the expansion may or may not help reduce accidents along Highway 3, and that ultimately driving safely is the solution.

“Regardless of the roadway,” Root said. “It comes down to people abiding by the traffic rules, speed limit, and their surroundings.”

The planned expansion for Highway 3 from two lanes to four lanes is going to be from Essex, where the highway meets County Road 8 — to Leamington 26 kilometres away, at the intersection with Highway 77.

The government survey is separated into several sections, inquiring about personal transportation methods, concerns and preferred prioritization for infrastructure, safety, and preparation for the future. The length of time required to fill out the survey is approximately 15 minutes.

The survey will be online until March 17 this year.

The Ontario government is expected to report back with all of the responses they have heard in May 2020.