Maley extension making good progress: First phase of $80-million project to open in January.

• Author: Macdonald, Darren
• Position: SUDURY

Phase 1 of the Maley Drive expansion in Sudbury is near completion, and drivers could begin using a new interchange north of Lasalle Boulevard on Notre Dame Avenue as early as January, weather permitting.

Mayor Brian Bigger said he was impressed by how much progress has been made so far on the project, which is slated for completion in 2019.

"We've moved forward so quickly, after 30 years," Bigger said during a press conference on Nov. 10.

"It will connect our community in new and more efficient ways. It will improve our traffic flows; it will lead to improved quality of life for our residents."

He said the first phase of Maley Drive alone will save motorists more than 457,000 hours and as much as 1.13 million litres of gas each year.

"When completed, this extension will remove an estimated 3,000 vehicles a day from Lasalle Boulevard, and up to 10,000 per day from Lasalle Boulevard east of Notre Dame Avenue," Bigger said.

Another 2,000 to 4,000 vehicles will be taken off The Kingsway, and 43 per cent of Sudbury Transit bus routes will see less traffic congestion, he said.

"We've got two more years of construction and we'll be driving on the brand new Maley Drive."

Sudbury MPP and Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said the extension will improve safety and quality of life for residents.

"And there are 800 jobs being created by this project," Thibeault said. "The impact of this project alone, with...