Ontario starts new interchange construction in Waterdown

The following news release was issued by the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Transportation).

Project includes new overpass bridge to reduce gridlock, improve safety and support future growth across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area

October 30, 2026

WATERDOWN — The Ontario government has started construction on a new interchange at Highways 5 and 6 in the fast-growing community of Waterdown. The project will reduce gridlock, improve road safety and keep people and goods moving across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

“Drivers in Hamilton and Burlington know how frustrating it can be to sit in traffic at Highways 5 and 6 in Waterdown,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why our government is replacing this busy intersection with a new interchange that will reduce gridlock, improve safety and make life easier for the thousands of drivers who rely on this route everyday. It’s another way we’re protecting Ontario by building the infrastructure our growing communities need.”

Construction of a new bridge will carry Highway 5 over Highway 6 with new on- and off-ramps allowing traffic to move more efficiently through the interchange. The project also includes widening a section of Highway 5 to six lanes, building a new commuter parking lot and adding multi-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists to better serve this fast-growing community.

Ontario is investing more than $31 billion over the next decade to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges. These investments are improving safety, strengthening connections and ensuring the province’s transportation network can meet the needs of growing communities.

Quick Facts

GIP Paving Inc. has been awarded the contract to build the new interchange.

The project includes constructing new municipal roads, water mains and sanitary sewers as necessitated by the interchange.

Quotes

“Today’s announcement is about more than infrastructure. It’s about improving the daily lives of the people who live, work and travel in our community. This new interchange will help reduce congestion, improve access for commuters and businesses and support the continued growth of one of Hamilton’s fastest-growing areas. It will also enhance safety and strengthen transportation connections across the region, helping people and goods move more efficiently for years to come.”
– Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook

“Starting construction on the new Waterdown interchange is an important step toward improving traffic flow and road safety for people travelling throughout our region. This project will help reduce delays at Highways 5 and 6, improve connections for commuters and support the continued growth of our communities. By investing in transportation infrastructure, we are helping families spend less time in traffic and ensuring our roads can meet the needs of residents and local businesses for years to come.”
– Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain

“Highways 5 and 6 have been moving people and goods across our region for well over a century. Now it’s time to allow residents and business owners to have a smoother, more efficient, and safer route in and out of their community. In addition, this new investment will allow for better connections to Waterloo Region, Wellington County and western Ontario to support both Hamilton’s economy and the economy of Ontario.”
– Jeff Beattie, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek

“The Highways 5 and 6 intersection has been a local bottleneck for traffic for decades. Large trucks in the northbound lanes of Highway 6 approaching the intersection, slow sharply due to the steep grade all while moving across three lanes of traffic to turn west. This new interchange will ease congestion and remove a major safety concern at the same time. Thanks to the Ford government for finally addressing this issue.”
– Peter Smith, Executive Director, Heavy Construction Association of Toronto

“RCCAO welcomes the start of construction on the new Waterdown interchange at Highways 5 and 6. This important investment will help alleviate congestion, improve road safety and strengthen a critical transportation connection between Hamilton and Burlington. As the region continues to grow, projects like this are essential to improving transportation capacity, supporting local businesses and ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods.”
– Nadia Todorova, Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario

“Reliable transportation infrastructure is essential to moving people and goods and supporting growing communities. The new interchange at Highways 5 and 6 is an important investment in regional connectivity that will help strengthen business growth and economic competitiveness across Hamilton, Burlington and the surrounding region.”
– Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce