The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) says it's on track to begin a construction project along Highway 21 from Forest to Lakeshore Road in August, but it will not include fully paved shoulders as requested.
Lambton Shores council members agreed in March to make a final plea to the MTO to add bike lanes after a report said the project would only include partially paved shoulders with a width of 0.5 metres.
Mayor Doug Cook previously said it would be nice for existing cycling lanes on Hwy. 21 to extend further.
However, the MTO sent a letter to the municipality in May, denying the request.
"The ministry considers fully paved shoulders in situations when required to meet current provincial highway design standards, when there are no alternate lower volume or lower speed roads in the area that would be more appropriate for cyclists, and when the section of the highway forms part of the Provincial Cycling Network," read a letter from the MTO. "As the section of Highway 21 between the Town of Forest and Lambton Road 7 (Lakeshore Road) does not meet any of the above requirements, fully paved shoulders will not be included as part of the upcoming rehabilitation contract."
The letter also specified that fully paved shoulders on Hwy. 21 from Lambton Road 7 (Lakeshore Road) to Grand Bend were implemented because the area formed part of the Provincial Cycling Network and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Lambton Shores Manager of Licensing and Communications Alex Boughen said the MTO has confirmed that the resurfacing project is on track to begin in mid to late August.
