A highway plan connecting the Niagara peninsula with the GTA, but possibly degrading part of the escarpment, will not proceed as planned.

The proposed 400-series highway, the so-called “asphalt arrow,” would have linked Niagara Falls to Hamilton via Burlington, and connect to highways 401, 403 or 407, providing an alternative to the QEW.

The province said a more focused analysis would be conducted in the future.

“We are not going to just assume we need to pave a mega highway through the escarpment,” said Kelly Baker, a transportation ministry spokesperson.

On Tuesday, Halton Regional chair Gary Carr expressed his pleasure that the Niagara-to-GTA corridor would not go forward.

“Together we have protected the Niagara Escarpment and our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy,” Carr said in a news release.

Proponents argued the highway would encourage job growth in the region. But critics, including community groups, environmentalists, Halton regional council and Burlington city council applauded the decision.