Project Overview
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is completing the preliminary design study and environmental assessment to improve the Anaconda and Painter Lake roads in Northwestern Ontario. The project includes two sections:
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Part A - From three kilometres north of Aroland First Nation, continuing 69 kilometres along Anaconda Road and then the first eight kilometres of Painter Lake Road
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Part B - From the end of Part A to the northern end of Painter Lake Road​
The project is being carried out under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities and Municipal Expressways (MTO Class EA) for group A projects. This includes opportunities for public input throughout the project.
What's Being Planned
The study will explore ways to upgrade the existing roads to improve safety and reliability.
Planned improvements include:
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Widening the road in some areas
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Adjusting curves and slopes for better driving conditions
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Replacing drainage culverts and up to five bridges
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Improving visibility, signage, and installing guiderail where needed
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​The roads will be designed for a speed limit of 100 km/hour and to meet current provincial safety standards. The project may involve the development of new facilities to support road maintenance and operations, such as patrol yards and material storage areas.
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An underground fibre optic cable was recently installed along the Anaconda Road, running north from Aroland First Nation. For more information on this project, please visit https://www.rapidlynx.ca
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​As the study moves forward, more details will be shared on this website.
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If you have questions or would like to contact the project team, click here.
Why These Upgrades are Needed
The upgrades will help address:
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Areas prone to erosion and culvert washouts
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Road sections at the same level as wetlands
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Undersized culverts that cause drainage issues
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Deteriorating bridges
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Water pooling along the roads
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Photos of current road conditions are found in the Gallery page.
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