Construction signs on Grey Road 119 in the Town of The Blue Mountains have been removed to make way for the first official traffic. As of September 25, rehabilitation of Grey Road 119 is officially complete.

"Drivers and cyclists in eastern Grey County will have a smooth ride as they travel the newly completed Grey Road 119 in the Town of The Blue Mountains," said Grey County Warden Alan Barfoot. "The Grey Road 119 project is the County's largest since the reconstruction of the Grey Bruce County Line. It's an important piece of the county road network and the improvements will benefit all users."

The Grey Road 119 project began in 2014. It spans nearly 19km from Blue Mountain Road to Grey Road 13. More than $7.5 million was invested into the project including a $2 million grant through the Provincial Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative Capital Program.

One of the biggest improvements to the road is the addition of paved shoulders to create extra space and a more stable surface for cyclists.

"The breathtaking views and challenging climbs of Grey Road 119 make it a popular cycling route for locals and tourists alike. The newly paved shoulders will give riders a safe and superior experience as they share the road with cars, trucks and other traffic," said Warden Barfoot.

Not only do paved shoulders encourage cycling in the area and support tourism, studies show they improve safety and reduce the long-term cost of shoulder maintenance.

"Overall we're very satisfied with how this project has come together and with the quality of the road. We thank the residents living along Grey Road 119, and everyone who was impacted by the construction, for their patience," said Pat Hoy, Director of Transportation Services.

source: media release, Grey County