Work Underway for Significant Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway Interchange and Corridor Improvements

Over $110 million Infrastructure Project One of the Largest in Windsor’s History; Supported by $68.8 Million in Provincial Funding

Work is underway on the Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway Interchange and Corridor improvements infrastructure project. With significant funding support from the Government of Ontario, the City of Windsor continues to invest in the city and region’s unprecedented growth and development. 

This project — one of the largest infrastructure projects in Windsor’s history — is part of approximately $122.2 million in improvements for the Banwell Road corridor since 2022. 

Banwell’s arterial route connects established Windsor neighbourhoods with emerging communities, linking schools, parks, industries and local businesses. The full Banwell corridor currently accommodates approximately 10,000 to 17,000 vehicles per day. Once the NextStar Energy EV Battery Manufacturing Plant is fully operational, the Tecumseh Hamlet development is complete, and future development in the surrounding area occurs, the city projects traffic volumes will double north of the interchange and triple south of it.

In 2025, City Council approved a $2.24 billion, 10-year Capital Plan that invests close to $1.34 billion on roads and sewers from 2025 to 2034. This year alone, the City has committed an estimated $144 million for roads and $62.7 million for sewers. This road and sewer work, which includes the Banwell Interchange and Corridor works, is focused on answering the pressing need for infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety and traffic flow and create a solid foundation for future growth. 

In July 2024, City Council approved the Banwell Road/E.C. Row Interchange and Corridor Improvements Capital Works Project. The overall funding for the Banwell Interchange and Corridor project is estimated at $110.9 million, supported by $68.8 million in provincial funding. GIP Paving Inc. is the general contractor for the project, with Dillon Consulting Limited serving as the City’s consultant on the project. 

The overall project includes two components. 

Component 1 — Banwell Road Overpass and Interchange at E.C. Row Expressway

Component 1 involves the construction of a new Banwell Road overpass and interchange at E.C. Row Expressway, watermain, storm sewer system, pavement, lighting and multi-use trail system. This work began the week of September 15, 2025. The Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), is contributing $50 million towards the construction of the interchange. Ongoing lane restrictions are in place in order to complete works necessary to initiate this major infrastructure project. Over the next several years, the detours will vary depending on the stage of the work and will be limited as much as possible to minimize the impact on the commuting public. 

Due to the scope and length of this project, it will not always be feasible to set the detours outside of rush hour, as the setups are extensive and span several kilometres of roadway. Where possible, specific works will be completed after hours and on weekends to minimize impact. Work under current and recent detours is necessary to complete various project elements, including installation of temporary traffic signals, culvert installation and ditch re-alignment, shoulder and median widening, road widening with asphalt pavement, initial works on bridge abutments and centre pier works, and line painting. 

Component 2 — Banwell Road Corridor Improvements

Component 2 includes widening Banwell Road from a two-lane rural road to a six-lane urban cross-section, starting near Mulberry Drive and continuing over the E.C. Row Expressway to Intersection Road. At that point, it will taper to four lanes, cross the CPKC railway, and merge with the widened section currently under construction by the County of Essex. This work also includes a new intersection for access to the NextStar plant site as well as the future Tecumseh Hamlet secondary planning area, watermain, storm sewer systems, stormwater management, multi-use trail, pavement and lighting. 

Detailed design of the project was finalized in late 2024 and utility relocations, species at risk surveys and land acquisitions are now complete. Additionally, the overall Banwell Road corridor project also includes two other projects that are receiving funding from the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream (HECS) under the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP). This work includes the extension of Wyandotte Street East from Banwell Road East to Jarvis Avenue, which is currently in the detailed design phase; and intersection improvements at the existing Banwell Road/McHugh Street intersection, with construction starting next week for approximately one month. These complementary projects will help unlock more than 3,000 housing opportunities, with the Government of Ontario contributing $18.8 million towards the Banwell corridor project through the Ministry of Infrastructure’s MHIP-HECS program.

The current schedule for the overall project forecasts substantial completion in 2027 with some surface asphalt and final restoration works in 2028. 

As updates and additional details become available, the City will share them with the public through regular website and social media updates, and notification to local media outlets. The City asks motorists impacted by the construction to monitor the City’s website and social media accounts for updates, allow extra time for travel and be careful when travelling in construction zones.

Past Banwell Improvement Highlights

Approximately $11.3 million has been spent on previously completed projects along the Banwell Road Corridor, as follows:

• 2022: Improvements along Banwell Road from Tecumseh Road to Palmetto Street. This phase included installation of new road infrastructure, new storm sewers, asphalt paving, curbs and gutters, new streetlights, new sidewalk and a new multi-use trail.
• 2023: Additional upgrades including construction of a new roundabout at the intersection where Wildwood Drive and Mulberry Drive meet Banwell Road, new sidewalk and multi-use trail added from Palmetto Street to the new roundabout and new road infrastructure including new storm sewers, asphalt pavement, curbs and gutters and new streetlights.
• 2025: Mill and Pave of Banwell Road between Tecumseh Road East and Wyandotte Street East

Quotes

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by building the infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving and strengthens our economy. Our $50 million investment in the Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway Interchange will support Windsor’s growth, improve access to the NextStar Energy EV battery manufacturing plant, and help build a more self-reliant and competitive economy.”
- Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation 

“Our government is investing in local infrastructure to protect Ontario, strengthen the economy and create jobs. As part of our nearly $4 billion investment in infrastructure that directly supports the development of new homes, including roads and bridges, these improvements to Banwell Road will pave the way for new housing, adding more than 3,000 new homes to support growth in the City of Windsor and surrounding communities.”
- Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure

“I’m proud that the Ontario Government is supporting transformative infrastructure investments along Banwell Road, delivering on long-awaited improvements to the E.C. Row Expressway Interchange, expanding Banwell Road, and unlocking thousands of new homes in both Windsor and Tecumseh. These projects will make travel safer, reduce congestion, and create new opportunities for housing and economic growth — building a stronger, more connected Windsor-Tecumseh for generations to come.”
- Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Windsor-Tecumseh

“We are Building Windsor’s Future with a focus on investment, growth and sustainability. The Banwell projects are a major piece of the puzzle. Work on this vital arterial road will further improve access to Canada’s first electric vehicle battery plant, while also supporting supply chain businesses across Windsor as well as the new Fancsy Family Hospital. We’re not just widening a road; we are opening up endless possibilities for neighbourhood growth and development and creating connections that will help families to build their lives, communities to flourish and where Windsor will write its next chapter in Sandwich South. It is imperative that this work progresses as soon as possible to alleviate existing traffic congestion and lay the foundation to support future growth. We are grateful to Premier Ford, Ministers Flack, Sarkaria and Surma and MPP Dowie for continuing to invest in the prosperity of our city and region; and to our local project partners for helping to realize the vision for the future of the Banwell Road corridor.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens