CROSBY – The Ontario government has announced a major infrastructure investment in the Township of Rideau Lakes, with the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Highway 15 and County Road 42. Officials say the project will enhance traffic safety, reduce collisions, and generate good-paying jobs at a time when Ontario is facing economic headwinds from U.S. tariffs.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria confirmed that the roundabout is part of a broader $30-billion plan to build, repair, and expand highways across the province over the next decade. That investment, he said, is focused on both immediate safety needs and the long-term reliability of Ontario’s transportation system.
“The new roundabout at Highway 15 and County Road 42 will improve road safety as we continue our work to expand highway infrastructure across the province,” Sarkaria said in a statement.
Why Rideau Lakes?
The Highway 15 and County Road 42 intersection has long been recognized by residents and local officials as a challenging junction for drivers. Heavy traffic, combined with limited visibility in some areas, has raised concerns about collisions and congestion. Roundabouts, according to transportation experts, are a proven way to lower the risk of serious accidents because vehicles travel in a single direction at slower speeds.
Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, emphasized that the project addresses both local concerns and broader economic priorities.
“Highway 15 and County Road 42 are vital transportation links for families and businesses in Rideau Lakes,” Clark said. “By improving the safe movement of people and goods along this corridor, our government is protecting our community and supporting future economic growth. I’ve been a long-time advocate for improvements to this intersection alongside the current and previous township councils, and I thank Minister Sarkaria for his support in making today’s announcement possible.”
What the project includes
The new roundabout will involve:
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Reconstructing existing pavement.
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Modifying intersection entrances to improve traffic flow.
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Enhancing drainage to reduce flooding risks.
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Installing modern street lighting for visibility.
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Adding landscaping to improve safety and aesthetics.
Ottawa-based construction firm R.W. Tomlinson Limited has been awarded the contract. The company has a track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across Eastern Ontario.
🚨 Big news for Rideau Lakes!
This morning, MPP @SteveClarkPC and I announced our government is building a new roundabout at Hwy 15 & County Rd 42 to improve road safety, create good jobs and protect Ontario’s economy.
With nearly $30B invested in highways, our government is… pic.twitter.com/pEOJoPWG21
— Prabmeet Sarkaria (@PrabSarkaria) September 8, 2025
Road safety record and economic impact
Ontario’s roads have consistently ranked among the safest in North America, with one of the lowest fatality rates per 10,000 licensed drivers for 25 years running. Officials say the new roundabout builds on that record while also stimulating local employment.
Construction projects of this scale often employ dozens of skilled trades workers, engineers, and equipment operators. They also provide indirect benefits to nearby businesses that support the workforce, from suppliers to local restaurants.
By emphasizing road safety and construction jobs, the province says the project demonstrates its commitment to building infrastructure that benefits both local residents and the wider Ontario economy.
Part of a bigger plan
This roundabout is one of several projects announced by the Ministry of Transportation this year. In August, the province confirmed the replacement of the Highway 401 Choate Road Overpass and the Ganaraska River Bridge near Port Hope. That work, which began in May, will accommodate the future widening of Highway 401, one of Canada’s busiest highways.
Together, these projects reflect the government’s strategy to invest nearly $30 billion over the next decade in highways, bridges, and road networks. Officials argue such investments are essential for Ontario to remain competitive, particularly at a time when cross-border trade is facing new pressures.
Looking ahead
The roundabout in Rideau Lakes is expected to improve safety for thousands of daily drivers once complete. For local families and businesses, the upgrade means safer commutes and more efficient movement of goods. For the province, it marks another milestone in building a transportation system that can support economic growth for decades to come.
As construction begins, residents can expect temporary lane closures and detours. The Ministry of Transportation says it will coordinate closely with the township and contractor to minimize disruptions while ensuring the project stays on schedule.
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