Wonderland interchange at the 401 opens

After nearly 19 months of construction the $17.8 million Highway 401 interchange at Wonderland Road has officially opened to commuters.

It includes four new ramps and two new bridges, as well as local road improvements, according to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation.

London Mayor Matt Brown said in a statement, “This is great news and the project aligns well with council’s vision to be a leader in commerce, culture and innovation - our region's connection to the world. We can now provide businesses, visitors and Londoners better, faster access to the city and to the region.”

When the joint project between the province and the City of London was first announced it was promoted as potentially leading to the creation of thousands of jobs by being central to the city's industrial land strategy.

The project was originally slated to be completed by the end of October 2015, but was re-scheduled to be open by mid-November, and officially opened Nov. 11.

It is part of a massive infrastructure investment planned by the province, with more than $130 billion over 10 years expected to be invested roads, bridges, transit, schools and hospitals.