CROSBY — A new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Highway 15 and County Road 42 in Rideau Lakes Township, making it one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Rideau Lakes news this year.
The Ontario government says the $30-billion highway infrastructure program includes the planned Crosby roundabout, designed to improve safety, ease traffic flow and support local construction jobs.
The news was shared by MPP Steve Clark as Prabmeet Sarkaria, minister of transportation, was in Crosby on Monday, Sept. 8 to announce the project.
“This roundabout will improve road safety as we continue our work to expand highway infrastructure across the province,” Sarkaria said in a statement.
Clark added that the intersection has long been a concern. “By improving the safe movement of people and goods along this corridor, our government is protecting our community and supporting future economic growth.” He noted that conversations about improving the Crosby intersection date back to 2007, when the International Plowing Match was held in the township.
Details of the Crosby roundabout construction
The contract, awarded to R.W. Tomlinson Limited, calls for new pavement, redesigned entrances, drainage improvements, lighting and landscaping, all part of the planned Crosby roundabout project.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom told council in August that Clark, former mayor Ron Holman and himself had “done a lot of work on this file to ensure there is increased safety” at that intersection. He said most of the heavy construction is expected to take place in the spring of 2026, with details on detours to be shared once they are confirmed.
When asked about the start date, Hoogenboom said prep work is expected to begin soon but no highway closures are anticipated until next spring. Provincial procurement documents confirm the construction administration contract runs from September 2025 through November 2026.
Rideau Lakes CAO Shellee Fournier confirmed in an email that this is an MTO initiative on a provincial highway and will be paid for by the Province.
While the government has not released a cost estimate, similar projects provide context. In 2023, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville awarded a $2.9-million contract for a roundabout at County Roads 43 and 22 in North Grenville. The Crosby roundabout is expected to cost significantly more, with provincial planning documents placing it in an $8- to $20-million range because of its larger scope on a provincial highway.
Public reaction on social media to the planned Crosby roundabout has been divided. In recent Rideau Lakes news, some residents called it a waste of money, while others said it’s the safest solution for the intersection. One commenter bluntly suggested “stick it,” while another questioned if tandem transport trucks will be able to get through.
The province stated that its roads have ranked among the safest in North America for the past 25 years.
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