It's exciting news for Sarnia residents living in the Rapids Parkway area.
Construction of a new road, extending along the Howard Watson Nature Trail from Sandpiper Drive to Exmouth Street, has finally come to an end after years in the making.
The roadway beneath the Highway 402 overpass is open, and traffic is free to access the area.
This comes after Ministry of Transportation crews undertook bridge repairs, new retaining walls, lighting, and drainage improvements.
There are also bike lanes, and room for pedestrians.
Sarnia's General Manager of Engineering and Operations David Jackson said the three phase project came in at roughly $8.5 million.
"It's a fairly busy area there, we have all of the schools and there continues to be housing development," said Jackson. "So, it was part of our long term plan to get that extension completed. With the opening of the new school, it's a great time to provide another access out of there and disperse some of the traffic in the area."
Jackson said it also helps with future home construction in terms of easing congestion.
"There is more housing planned in the area, and there's a number of lots that are already serviced now," he said. "We're working with the developers on the next phases of their development. We're excited to see that. We know the school bus company is excited for the change in some of their routes there."
Jackson calls the development a positive for Sarnia Transit users.
The "Rosedale bus" on Route 5 will utilize the Rapids Parkway to reach key destinations including; the Clearwater bus terminal, Lambton College, Lambton Mall, Walmart, and other shopping plazas.
The city completed construction of a new roundabout, near The Home Depot, as part of the extension in late 2023.
A portion of Exmouth Street was also reconstructed that year to lower the intersection and install new traffic lights.
- With files from Melanie Irwin
