The Ontario government is advancing construction on the Frederick Street bridge in Kitchener, in its plan to widen Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph. The new four-lane, 18-kilometre Highway 7 will help fight gridlock on the 401, save commuters time, and keep goods moving across the fast-growing regions of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph.

“The people of Kitchener-Waterloo have waited far too long for the new Highway 7,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why our government has made it a priority to move this project forward. The new highway will be a game changer for the region, ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods across southern Ontario, with commuters spending less time sitting in traffic and more time doing what matters most to them.”

Starting February 28, contractors will be invited to submit proposals for the replacement of the Frederick Street bridge. To accommodate the future widening of Highway 7, the bridge will be lengthened to ensure traffic can flow in both directions with shoulders and multi-use paths accessible for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“Today’s announcement is an important next step in the provincial government’s commitment to move the Highway 7 project forward,” said Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener. “The construction of the Frederick Street Bridge will not only help connect residents and businesses between Kitchener, Guelph and surrounding areas but will also be key to moving goods throughout southern Ontario, across Canada and elsewhere in North America.”

Once complete, the new Highway 7 will include seven interchanges between Kitchener and Guelph, including a multi-level connection to Highway 85, a new crossing over the Grand River and improvements to local roads to help keep communities connected.

Quick Facts

• Highway 7 is among the busiest two-lane highways in Ontario, with 26,000 vehicles travelling on it daily.
• The replacement of the Frederick Street bridge is part of the third phase of building the new Highway 7.
• The Greater Golden Horseshoe sees over $1.1 trillion in goods transported annually on its highways.
  By 2051, population and employment figures in the Greater Golden Horseshoe are expected to grow from 10 million to 14.9 million people, and 4.9 million to 7 million jobs.
• In 2023-24, the Ontario government is investing approximately $3.2 billion to repair and expand provincial highways, roads and bridges.