Work begins to twin Highway 3 in St. Thomas to link to EV battery plant

What is happening#

• Construction and enabling works (utility relocations and grading) have started to twin nearly 7 km of Highway 3 in St. Thomas, from Centennial Avenue to Ron McNeil Line.
• Full twinning construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

Where and who it affects#

• Location: St. Thomas and Elgin County, connecting to the Talbotville Bypass and Highway 401.
• Affects: local drivers, commuters, workers headed to the St. Thomas Industrial Park and the nearby PowerCo EV battery plant (Volkswagen investment).

By the numbers (stated in the release)#

• Project segment: almost 7 kilometres (Centennial Ave → Ron McNeil Line).
• Volkswagen announced a $7‑billion investment for the EV battery facility in April 2023.
• Provincewide highway investment cited: approximately $31 billion over 10 years.

Why it matters#

• Improves safety and travel times on a key route.
• Creates a direct connection for workers and freight to the new EV battery plant and Highway 401, supporting regional economic and housing growth.

Other details from the release#

• Enabling works underway now; full twinning construction begins in 2027.
• Dufferin Construction was named for the utilities contract in project announcements.
• Multiple regional business and construction groups and municipal leaders welcomed the progress.