Hwy. 7 between Kitchener and Guelph under review by province

The future of work on Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph is under review, as the provincial government does a sweeping review of all its transportation projects.

The government "is committed to improving the transportation network across the province to reduce congestion and get people moving," a statement from the ministry of transportation said.

Highway 7 has been under construction since 2015 due to increases in traffic.

"We are currently reviewing all projects and spending committed to by the last government, and taking the necessary steps to make sure we are best positioned to provide quality, safe and efficient transportation options to all Ontarians. One of the projects currently under review is the new Highway 7 from Kitchener to Guelph."

In a Ministry of Transportation report called Southern Highways Program 2017-2021, it says the completion date for the new four-lane highway between Kitchener and Guelph is "beyond 2021."

When asked if reviewing the project meant the government would not meet that deadline, spokesperson Kersondra Hickey said, "we have nothing further to add at this time."

Construction started in 2015

The new highway is being built in a phased approach. Hickey said several parts of the project have taken place or are underway since construction began in 2015.

The Victoria Street bridge in Kitchener reopened at the end of October, and the majority of the work left to be completed is expected to be done in December, with some weather-dependent work to be done in the spring.

Work to rehabilitate the Metrolix Rail, Wellington Street and Guelph Street bridges on Highway 85 will take about two months to complete next spring.

"Alongside this above work, the ministry is also undertaking the detailed design of the two new Highway 7 bridges that will cross the Grand River as well as other engineering, property acquisition and environmental work required to complete the entire new Highway 7 project," Hickey said.