--- In ontroads@yahoogroups.com, "elgoalio_29" <elgoalio_29@...> wrote:
> Anyone got a word on the timeline for the 401 Extension (is it just me, or
does that ust sound weird?)?
>

As with 407 east, the provincial and federal governments have announced funding
claiming 2013 as the targeted opening date. Construction is supposed to start
2010, finish 2013. 2013 seems like the favorite year to open major projects in
right now - guess someone thinks 13 is a lucky number...

Given the complexity of the design with service roads, a sub-grade/partially
tunneled freeway, and 3-box culverts to get some of the local watercourses under
the sub-grade freeway instead of flooding it, I would expect even more delays
with the 401 extension than with 407 east.

Here's the relevant info on the Windsor-Essex Parkway, as they're now calling
the 401 extension, and the new border crossing:

http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/

January 14, 2009 - The U.S. federal government yesterday issued a long-awaited
decision approving a new Detroit-Windsor border crossing system over the Detroit
River. The Record of Decision, issued Jan. 14, 2009, by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), is the final environmental clearance for the DRIC Study
for a proposed new border crossing system just north of Zug Island. The Record
of Decision is the last step under the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) to gain project approval, following four years of consultations, public
hearings, traffic analyses, and environmental studies. The Record of Decision
allows Michigan to begin right-of-way acquisition and construction planning for
the proposed new bridge. Construction of a new border inspection plaza, bridge
and interchange is scheduled to begin in 2010, with an official opening of the
new crossing system planned for 2013. Please see links below for further
information and how to access the ROD.


And the 2013 date for 407 east:


http://www.407eastea.com/faq.html

11. How long will it take to construct the 407East? When will construction
begin?
The timing and staging for the implementation of the highway has yet to be
determined. The implementation of 407 is a priority for the province and a
schedule for the EA component of the process has been established to support the
targeted date of 2013 for completion.

The Project Team is working hard to complete the environmental assessment study
(EA), and the planned date for the submission for review and approval is late
spring 2009.

------------------------
There are other news releases from late last year or early this year, if you
really want further cross-references search Canada newswire and other newswires,
as well as the MTO and Transport Canada news release archives... I can't be
bothered, I'm too lazy right now.