KEMPTVILLE, ON – Representatives from all levels of government gathered in North Grenville today to mark the opening of the new two lanes of the southern span of the County Road 43 bridge, a key milestone in the long-anticipated County Road 43 Expansion Project.
The project, led by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, and supported through both provincial and federal infrastructure funding, will significantly enhance traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Construction on the new bridge marks one of the most visible and complex components of the overall expansion, which includes widening County Road 43 to four lanes through Kemptville, adding multi-use pathways, and upgrading lighting, intersections, and utilities.
While two lanes of the new bridge are opening, the other two lanes will be built in the next year with the four-lane bridge being fully functional by 2027.
Nancy Peckford, Mayor of North Grenville:
“This is a truly proud moment for North Grenville. The new bridge on County Road 43 represents years of hard work, persistence and partnership. It’s clear that the rehabilitation of this busy road has been one of our community’s top priorities. As both Mayor and former Warden, today’s milestone reflects that shared commitment – improving safety, supporting sustainable growth, and connecting residents and businesses. I’m deeply appreciative for the collaboration with MPP Clark and his colleagues at Queen’s Park, Counties and municipal staff, as well as the federal Ministry of Infrastructure, in helping us get here. When we work together and stay focused on what matters to our residents, we can achieve big things - and this bridge is proof of that.”
Steve Clark, Member of Provincial Parliament for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes:
“This is a great day for North Grenville and for everyone who travels through this busy corridor. The new bridge on County Road 43 is a clear example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to invest in local priorities. Projects like this one improve safety, support local businesses, and keep our communities growing. I’m proud of the strong partnership that’s making real progress here in Leeds and Grenville.”
Michael Barrett, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes:
“I was proud to advocate for federal investment in the County Road 43 expansion, which helped pave the way for other funding. The completed project will make County Road 43 safer, more efficient, and better equipped to handle significant regional growth in the years ahead. I’m very pleased to see this progress on a critical piece of infrastructure that will benefit families, businesses, and commuters across our region.”
Corrina Smith-Gatcke, Warden, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville:
“The Counties are very proud to see this project moving forward. The new bridge represents a major investment in regional mobility and safety, connecting our communities and providing a refreshed gateway to the heart of Leeds Grenville. The County Road 43 Expansion Project and today’s milestone of opening the bridge shows what’s possible when all levels of government work together toward a shared goal.”
About the Project:
The County Road 43 Expansion Project is a multi-phase initiative designed to address traffic congestion, improve road safety, and accommodate future growth in Kemptville and surrounding areas.
Key features include:
• Widening County Road 43 from two lanes to four between Colonnade Drive and County Road 44
• Replacement and expansion of the bridge over the Kemptville Creek (full four lanes to be functional by late 2026)
• Addition of multi-use pathways, lighting, and pedestrian infrastructure
• Intersection upgrades, including roundabouts with controlled pedestrian crossings, and improved drainage
Construction began in 2023 and is expected to continue through 2026. The Counties are leading the project in close collaboration with the Municipality of North Grenville and the Province of Ontario, with support from the Government of Canada.
For more information, progress updates, and a live camera, visit countyroad43expansion.com.
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