Province announces up to $45M for County Road 49 rehabilitation project in Prince Edward County

The stretch of road is considered one of the worst roads

County Road 49 between Picton and the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge - a long-time “worst” ranked road - is getting a significant provincial boost to help with overdue rehabilitation, officials announced Thursday.   

This stretch of road serves as an important link to the region’s wineries, restaurants and other tourist destinations, while also helping connect residents to jobs, healthcare, housing and other essential services. 

Mayor Steve Ferguson called the announcement a major milestone for the community.

Parliamentary Assistant Ric Bresee shared this investment will tackle gridlock, shorten travel times and drive economic growth in Prince Edward County.

While a contract reportedly still needs to be fully finalized, the investment will support repairs and upgrades for about 18.4 kilometres of the roadway, which the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has previously - and repeatedly over the years - identified as one of the worst roads in the province.  

Last year specifically, County Road 49 was ranked as the third-worst road in Ontario in a CAA survey.  

Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp said the road is a key gateway into the county, which attracts more than one million visitors each year.

The municipality has allocated a reported $7.8 million in their capital budget as well to help rehabilitate the road.  

The Ontario government said this is part of an overall $30-billion investment to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges provincewide. This also includes monies for a roundabout at Hwy. 62 and County Road 1.  

Ferguson said the municipality is ready to move forward, with tenders expected soon. He expects construction to start this year and be completed next year, estimating the work will take place over two construction seasons.

Story by Emily Chatwood, with files from Sarah Hyatt