Brampton abandons plan to widen Williams Parkway even though millions already spent

Brampton councillors have decided to pull the plug on a decades-old plan to widen Williams Parkway even though $14 million worth of work has already been done.

Council made the decision after plans called for expanding the road from four to six lanes.

Changing attitudes and priorities are the reasons for the turnaround as local politicians look for a greener solution to get people moving through the area.

Originally proposed in 2004, the expansion was deemed necessary back then to meet demands of growing vehicle traffic. Now, revised plans call for repaving the existing four lanes as well as adding walking paths and cycling routes.

Councillors believe the new outlook should be considered before proceeding with any other major road programs that are in the planning stages.

A report presented to council said that $14 million had already been spent on the now cancelled widening which saw the elimination of some trees that were in the way as well as for erecting noise walls.

Another report is expected in the new year which will look at how funding for the new work will be allocated.