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Ontario Rebuilding County Road 49 in Prince Edward County

March 20, 2026
A worker wearing protective coveralls and a cap performs maintenance on the exterior of a GO Transit locomotive inside a rail facility. The locomotive is painted white and green with the number “571” displayed prominently on the front. Tools and equipment are visible around the work area. On‑image text reads “Supporting Ontario jobs,” with the Protect Ontario logo in the lower right corner.

Critical upgrades will support the safe movement of people and goods and keep workers on the job in Southeastern Ontario

Transportation

Table of Contents

  1. Content
  2. Quick Facts
  3. Quotes
  4. Media Assets
  5. Related Topics

Content

PICTON — The Ontario government is funding the rehabilitation of County Road 49 between Picton and the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge in Prince Edward County, supporting the repair and upgrade of 18.4 kilometres of roadway, which the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has identified as one of the worst roads in Ontario. 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.

“Our government is protecting Ontario by making historic investments in highway infrastructure to improve road safety and strengthen our economy,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Rehabilitating County Road 49 will improve a key gateway into Prince Edward County, support good-paying jobs during construction and make it easier for visitors to access one of Ontario’s top tourism destinations.”

Last year, County Road 49 was ranked the third-worst road in Ontario in a CAA survey. Repairs to the road will support tourism and the local economy, as it serves as an important link to the region’s wineries, restaurants, theatres and other world-class tourist destinations. It also helps connect residents to jobs, health care, housing and other essential services.

“Improving County Road 49 is an important step in supporting the growing number of people who travel to and through Prince Edward County each year,” said Tyler Allsop, MPP for Quinte. “Our government’s investment in this rehabilitation project reflects our ongoing commitment to maintain strong, dependable roads across the region.”

The Ontario government is investing $30 billion to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges, tackling gridlock, shortening travel times and driving economic growth across the province. This includes multi-million-dollar investments in Prince Edward County and a recently announced roundabout at Highway 62 and County Road 1.

Quick Facts

  • In 2024, Ontario completed major upgrades to the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge, which connects Highway 401 to Prince Edward County.
  • Last year, the province provided $2 million in funding to Prince Edward County to rebuild Main Street from County Road 33 to County Road 30.
  • The Municipality of Prince Edward County is contributing $7.8 million from their capital budget to help rehabilitate County Road 49.

Quotes

With the outstanding support of the provincial government, we are finally able to undertake this long overdue once-in-a-generation infrastructure project. County Road 49 is a vital lifeline in our community, key for our long-term economic growth and well-being. On behalf of County Council, residents, businesses, and visitors to Prince Edward County, I thank the Government of Ontario for helping us move forward.

– Steve Ferguson

Mayor, Prince Edward County

RCCAO commends the Ontario government for rehabilitating County Road 49 and advancing the state of good repair of this critical regional transportation infrastructure. As the technical partner for CAA’s annual Worst Roads Campaign, RCCAO has a strong understanding of the conditions facing roads like County Road 49 and the impacts they have on residents and businesses. The challenges associated with deteriorating infrastructure are real and well understood, and the rehabilitation of County Road 49 is both welcome and necessary.

– Nadia Todorova

Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario

Rehabilitating County Road 49 is an important investment in critical core infrastructure in Prince Edward County. Our industry appreciates the province’s responsiveness in addressing an issue that residents and road users have consistently raised as a priority. Project investments like this help improve road safety, support local jobs, and ensure the province’s transportation network continues to move people and goods efficiently. It’s a great investment that will have a positive long-term impact for the region.

– Patrick McManus

Executive Director, Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association

Media Assets

A map of County Road 49

A map of County Road 49

Related Topics

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