CALEDONIA—After years of calls for safety improvements at Highway 6 and Haldibrook Road, the province has settled on traffic signals and new turning lanes for the intersection, with the project now moving through its final environmental review before detailed design can begin.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) published its Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) on September 1, 2026, completing the preliminary design stage and identifying a standard signalized intersection as the preferred plan.
The design calls for traffic signals, new left-turn lanes on Haldibrook Road, two-metre median islands along portions of Highway 6, drainage improvements, and new intersection lighting. Property acquisitions will be required to complete the work.
A “do nothing” option was considered but eliminated because of an identified need to address safety and geometric concerns at the intersection, particularly issues involving left-turning vehicles.
Highway 6 carries two lanes in each direction through the area with a posted speed limit of 80km/h, while Haldibrook Road is a two-lane collector road with a 50km/h limit.
The preferred design was selected over two other options considered in the evaluation: a signalized intersection with 2.5-metre offset left-turn lanes on Highway 6, or a modern roundabout.
According to the TESR, the standard signalized intersection was preferred because it has lower permanent natural and socio-environmental impacts, requires less property, avoids displacing any residences or businesses, and provides simpler construction staging.
It was also assessed as having the lowest construction cost and utility impacts of the three shortlisted designs, while providing an acceptable level of service, favourable traffic platooning, and improved intersection safety and operations.
The offset turn-lane alternative was rated as providing the greatest safety improvement, but would require more property, affect more habitat, involve more complicated construction staging and utility work, and cost more than the preferred design.
The roundabout performed worst in several areas. The evaluation found it would have the greatest property requirements, affect the most habitat, and potentially displace one business and one resident. It was also identified as having the most complex construction staging, greatest utility impacts, and highest construction cost.
Haldimand County spokesperson Kyra Hayes said County staff support the direction selected by the MTO.
“Haldimand County was consulted by the MTO and provided comments regarding the design and configuration. The design is aligned with the MTO’s traffic standards,” said Hayes.
She added, “No significant concerns were raised, and staff are pleased to see the intersection improvements moving forward. While Highway 6 is under the MTO’s jurisdiction, the improvements will enhance safety for residents, visitors, and anyone who utilizes the Haldibrook Road Intersection.”
A Municipal Advisory Committee meeting on February 11, 2026 included Haldimand County, the City of Hamilton, Haldimand County Paramedic Services, and Haldimand OPP. The TESR states no major concerns were raised during that meeting and consultation with municipalities will continue during detailed design.
Public consultation also influenced the study. Following the August 2025 Notice of Study Commencement, seven members of the public specifically supported a signalized intersection, while one expressed a preference for a roundabout. Other comments raised concerns about pedestrian and vehicle safety, truck traffic, noise, turning lanes, and the broader Highway 6 corridor.
Julia Caslin, Senior Media Relations Advisor for the Ministry of Transportation, said, “The ministry’s plan is to improve safety and mobility while reducing impacts on surrounding properties and the community.”
While this decision is a step forward, the project is not ready for construction yet.
The TESR is currently available for a 30-day public comment period, with written comments accepted until September 29. That will be followed by a 30-day review by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
“Responses to comments will be posted on the project website for up to six months following the close of the consultation period,” said Caslin. “As outlined in the Transportation Environmental Assessment Report, permanent property acquisition will be required from 11 properties. In addition, a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment will be completed in areas identified through the Stage 1 assessment.”
If no significant concerns remain following the comment and review periods, and no qualifying Section 16 request is received regarding potential impacts on constitutionally protected Indigenous and treaty rights, the Class Environmental Assessment will be considered complete and the project will be eligible to move into detailed design.
The MTO anticipates the next design phase could begin in early 2027, although the timing remains subject to funding, approvals, and regional priorities. Detailed design will refine matters including property requirements, drainage, utility relocations, and construction plans.
Consultation is expected to continue with affected property owners, municipalities, agencies, Indigenous communities, and members of the public. Environmental issues including fish habitat, terrestrial ecosystems, surface and groundwater, noise, utilities, archaeology, and excess soil will also require further consideration and mitigation.
The TESR does not provide a firm construction start or expected completion date.
The project is a response to safety concerns raised by residents and local politicians following several accidents at the intersection. Intersection improvements were announced in December 2022 following a petition signed by more than 1,100 people and advocacy from local representatives. Preliminary design and the Class EA formally began in 2025.
For more information on the project, visit highway6haldibrookroad.com.
The Haldimand Press will provide updates when available.
—With files from Mike Renzella.
