The Ontario government is putting its money behind the rehabilitation of a rough roadway in Prince Edward County.
The province announced Thursday additional funding for the rest of the County 49 project between $37 and $45 million funding.
The funding will support the repair and upgrade of 18.4 kilometres of County Road 49 between Picton and the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge in the County.
The project will include repaving the road surface, new culverts and guiderail improvements, supporting the safe movement of people and goods and keeping thousands of workers on the job in Southeastern Ontario.
Repairs to the road will also support tourism and the local economy, and helps connect residents to jobs, health care, housing and other essential services.
Last year, County Road 49 was ranked the third-worst road in Ontario in a CAA survey.
“We’ve continuously heard from Prince Edward County residents and visitors about the rough ride on County Road 49 and about the need to replace its concrete surface, but the cost was prohibitive for the municipality,” stated Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp.
“Our government recognized this need and committed funding to ensure the job gets done. I’m looking forward to seeing shovels in the ground very soon.”
County Road 49 serves as a transportation route for the municipality’s tourism, hospitality, and employment sectors. The road experiences average daily traffic volumes of approximately 6,000
vehicles, with peak traffic occurring during morning and evening rush hours.
This includes commercial and industrial traffic, with heavy trucks accounting for about 5 per cent of the total traffic.
“With the outstanding support of the provincial government, we are finally able to undertake this long overdue once-in-a-generation infrastructure project,” said County Mayor Steve Ferguson.
“County Road 49 is a vital lifeline in our community, key for our long-term economic growth and well-being.”
Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette welcomed the funding.
“County Road 49 is more than a roadway—it is a vital gateway into Prince Edward County for residents, businesses and the many visitors who support our local economy,” he stated.
“Rehabilitating this corridor will help protect and strengthen key economic drivers in our region, including industry, agriculture and tourism. This investment reflects years of persistent advocacy.”
The County has already committed to contribute $7.8 million to the project.
The province says further discussions will also be held after the project tenders come back.
Once the tender is confirmed, work is expected to take place over two construction seasons in 2026 and 2027.
Photo: Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp
