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What started as a $2.3 million project has jumped to more than four times that amount.

It’s clear the intersection of Hamilton Road and Highbury Avenue, a key corridor carrying traffic to and from Highway 401, needs an expansion to handle the 45,000 vehicles that stream through every day.

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But at what cost?

A new estimate pegs the widening at $10.4 million.

“Like any project, it’s got to be weighed against all the others. Were this a $2.5 million project, I think there’d be no question about it,” said Coun. Michael van Holst, who represents the area.

“Anytime the price is higher than expected, that’s cause for concern.”

City hall finished an environmental assessment that looked at options for the intersection, landing on a plan to add additional northbound and southbound through lanes on Highbury, dedicated right-turn lanes, as well as medians and left-turning lanes on Hamilton east of Highbury for drivers turning into the grocery-store plaza and gas station. East and westbound bike lanes are also planned for Hamilton Road.