Yes, Innisfil, Webster Boulevard will one day connect to the 20th Sideroad.
However, quite a bit of planning work still needs to be done before shovels can go in the ground on this long-anticipated link through the northwest area of Alcona.
Town capital engineering manager Jessica Jenkins told InnisfilToday an environmental assessment has been completed on the project, which is currently in the detailed design phase. Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2024 or 2025, pending the completion of property acquisition and utility relocation, and the approval of required permits.
“Additionally, the construction for this project will have to be timed around the County of Simcoe’s planned construction for improvements to the intersection of 20th Sideroad and Innisfil Beach Road (IBR), which is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2024, pending Metrolinx approvals,” she said.
Work at the 20th and IBR intersection will see IBR widened from two to four lanes, with a one-metre-flush median and a multi-use trail proposed. Two sets of traffic signals will be installed at this offset intersection, as well as a new Metrolinx rail-crossing system.
But the Webster extension has been talked about for years — the road’s northern limit currently stops at a cul-de-sac about 500 metres from the 20th, with trees and other natural landscape acting as the barrier in between. There is a sign at that end of Webster stating the intention for the roadways to connect.
Details contained in the 2022 capital budget estimated the project cost at more than $3.5 million.
The town’s official plan and 2018 transportation master plan update both mention the extension.
"This new road would improve connectivity within and to Alcona, providing a vital link between the town's largest settlement area and the rest of the community, as well as providing an alternative to the 20th,” the budget document states. “Should this new roadway not be completed, the town would lack an important transportation link in north Alcona. This link will also help alleviate traffic at (the) 20th and (IBR).”
Jenkins says updated project information will be provided on the town’s website shortly.
