The Ontario government has started the search for a company to design, build and finance the widening of Highway 401 from Mississauga Road west to Regional Road 25.

The massive expansion project from Mississauga to Milton will widen an 18-kilometre stretch of the busy highway from six lanes to as many as 12 lanes in some sections.

It will also include the addition of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in both directions.

A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to find private-sector firms that meet criteria to bid for the project.