Drivers in St. Thomas, Ontario, are facing new detours after all lanes on the Highway 3 eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp at First Avenue closed on March 12, 2026. This closure is part of a major project to expand the highway to help the local road network handle more vehicles and improve safety for the community.
According to 511 Ontario, the ramps are completely closed while crews perform the necessary construction work. The Ministry of Transportation and the City of St. Thomas are coordinating these upgrades to support the region’s recent industrial growth.
This work is a key part of the Highway 3 twinning project, which involves adding more lanes to the existing road. A major driver for this expansion is the development of the PowerCo battery plant, which requires better road access for heavy equipment and future employees.
Local officials suggest that commuters check for updates on road conditions and plan for extra travel time while these ramps remain closed. The provincial government and the engineering team at Stantec Consulting are managing the project to ensure the new bypass and extra lanes meet the needs of the growing population.
