Work is set to begin on Highway 401 expansion in September 2024, bringing with it the opportunity to make improvements to the Ganaraska Millennium Trail, though access to the Port Hope Conservation Area will be impacted.
Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area & Trail Changes
To accommodate Highway 401 expansion, the GRCA has begun work to ensure access to the Ganaraska Millennium Trail remains open as much as is possible throughout expansion work. Rotating closures will allow access to the trail, while the GRCA realigns the trail by constructing a new boardwalk further north from its current location in the wetland and away from Highway 401.
GRCA staff selected the new alignment of the boardwalk and trail because it will have the least impact on the wetland, while permanently re-routing the trail loop outside of future highway expansion. In order to accommodate fish spawning and bird nesting windows, work on the boardwalk and trail realignment will begin the week of August 19th, 2024. Boardwalk construction is planned to be completed early Fall 2024.
As of September 1st, southern access to the Ganaraska Millennium Trail from the Port Hope Hiking Trail will be closed for highway expansion work until at least 2028.
The GRCA will provide regular updates and post signage during any required construction closures. Consider visiting one of the GRCA’s other conservation areas during these temporary closures: https://grca.on.ca/conservation/conservation-areas/
For the safety of visitors, please respect posted signage and avoid areas where construction is underway.
All enquiries related to the 401 expansion can be directed to: https://www.hwy401porthopeea.com/contact.html
Port Hope Conservation Area
Port Hope Conservation Area will be closed to be used for highway expansion staging activities, starting September 1st until at least 2028.
Please contact the GRCA for questions or concerns regarding Conservation Area use by calling 905.885.8173 or visiting grca.on.ca.