Is a Hwy. 401 tunnel even possible? The answer will cost taxpayers $9.1M

Premier Doug Ford has made no secret of his dream to build a massive tunnel underneath Highway 401. But is the idea even possible?

We’re about to find out — at a hefty cost to taxpayers.

The province confirmed this week it has awarded a $9.1-million contract to WSP Canada Inc. to conduct a detailed feasibility study.

"Our government is making significant progress on the transformational project to build a tunnel under Highway 401 that will get people and goods moving across the province faster," said a spokesperson for Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

On tonight’s episode of Closer Look, we revisit some of our previous coverage of Ford’s tunnel vision. Is it safe to build? How much would this massive project actually cost? How many years would it take to finish? Would those billions be better spent on other traffic-fighting measures, including public transit?

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.