THE COUNTY, Ontario – Officials from the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry met with Ministry of Transportation representatives at Highway 138 this morning to discuss concerns regarding this important regional artery.

County director of transportation and planning Benjamin de Haan, as well as County Councillors Bryan McGillis and Jim Wert, provided a direct account of the County’s concerns with respect to Highway 138, including the need for augmented safety features like passing lanes and intersection improvements.

Officials, including SDSG MPP Jim McDonell and ministry staff, toured the entire stretch of Highway 138 with county representatives during the morning commute.

“The Ministry of Transportation has heard and appreciates our concerns, and this is one of the first steps in seeing the necessary improvements to Highway 138,” said de Haan. “The ministry has completed an environmental assessment of the highway which identified improvements for the short, medium and long term. Today’s tour gave us an opportunity to identify priority areas we would like addressed and the need for continued dialogue on how to make this highway safer. We expect to hear more from the ministry in the weeks ahead.”

County CAO Tim Simpson said Highway 138 has been an area of concern for SDG and motorists for several years and adding increased safety measures remains a priority.

“We’re encouraged that representatives from the Government of Ontario were able to see for themselves the situation with respect to Highway 138,” said Simpson. “It is our hope that specific changes to the highway will be announced soon by the provincial government.”