BRADFORD — The Ontario government is getting shovels in the ground on a new interchange at Highway 400 and Simcoe County Road 88 and a new southbound lane on Highway 400 that will connect to the future Bradford Bypass. Construction begins this summer and marks a significant milestone in the province’s plan to fight gridlock across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, help commuters spend less time in traffic and create good jobs for workers in the region.
“Our government is delivering on its promise to build the Bradford Bypass, expand our highway network and get people where they need to go,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Combined with the widening of Highway 400, these investments will help tackle gridlock, shorten travel times, and drive economic growth.”
The construction contract has been awarded to Dufferin Construction Company and includes building part of a southbound lane on Highway 400 that will connect to the new Bradford Bypass, reconstruction of the Highway 400-Simcoe County Road 88 interchange and its underpass bridge, widening Simcoe County Road 88 from two to four lanes and widening the Highway 400 platform to accommodate future expansion to 10 lanes.
"Our government made a commitment to fight gridlock and build the critical infrastructure necessary to support King's growing community," said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan. "This is a positive step forward as we build Ontario and create thousands of good-paying jobs."
“The people of York-Simcoe have been asking for the Bradford Bypass for nearly 50 years,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York—Simcoe. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is getting it done. We’re building new highways and expanding area roads that will ease congestion around Bradford West Gwillimbury, making life easier for area residents and commuters across York Region and Simcoe County.”
In May, the Ontario government awarded the contract for the detail design of the west section of the Bradford Bypass, which will run 6.5 kilometres from Highway 400 to Simcoe County Road 4. The Bradford Bypass will be a vital link for communities in York Region and Simcoe County, providing better connections to jobs and housing. During construction, the project is expected to support up to 2,200 jobs annually and contribute up to $286 million to the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Quick Facts
Construction has started on widening four kilometres of Highway 400 from Langstaff Road to Major MacKenzie Drive from eight to 10 lanes. A new High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane is being added in each direction.
Widening 9.5 kilometres of Highway 400 from Major Mackenzie Drive to King Road from eight to 10 lanes is currently underway. One general purpose lane is being added in each direction.
Widening 12 kilometres of Highway 400 from King Road to Highway 9 from six to 10 lanes is currently underway. One HOV lane and one general purpose lane is being added in each direction.
The Highway 400-Simcoe County Road 88 underpass is one of several bridges that will be upgraded to accommodate the future Highway 400 widening.
The new four-lane, 16-kilometre Bradford Bypass is among more than 100 actions identified in Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The Greater Golden Horseshoe is one of the fastest-growing regions in North America, welcoming more than 200,000 newcomers each year.
Quotes
"I’m proud to recognize the Ontario government’s innovative initiative with the construction of the Highway 400 interchange at Simcoe County Road 88 and the southbound lane extension. The project marks a significant milestone for our province, showcasing a proactive approach to combatting gridlock and congestion across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. By enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times, this development will not only benefit residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury but will also stimulate regional economic growth and create new employment opportunities. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact of these improvements within our community and beyond."
- James Leduc
Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury
"The Ontario Trucking Association applauds today’s announcement, which indicates progress is being made and the Ontario government is getting it done with the Bradford Bypass. Rebuilding this interchange and its connection to the Bradford Bypass will support short-term and future economic growth, further strengthen provincial and international trucking supply chains, address capacity issues, reduce gridlock on existing regional and municipal roads and allow the trucking industry to better serve businesses and residents in York Region and Simcoe County."
- Geoff Wood
Sr VP, Policy, Ontario Trucking Association
"Today’s announcement demonstrates the government is choosing to build much-needed transportation infrastructure. The Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) and its members commend Premier Ford and his government on taking another step towards building the Bradford Bypass, an important part of the province’s plan to improve connectivity, relieve congestion and promote economic growth."
- Walid Abou-Hamde
Chief Executive Officer, ORBA
"ACEC-Ontario applauds the government’s continued commitment to connecting communities across the province. Projects like the Bradford Bypass will yield benefits that extend not only to our grandchildren but also to their children. Consulting engineers grasp the significance of this vision and are committed to fostering its success."
- Andrew Hurd
Executive Director, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Ontario
"RCCAO welcomes these concrete next steps by the Ontario government to build the Bradford Bypass and add transportation network capacity in this fast-growing region. This critical piece of transportation infrastructure will better connect communities and improve the movement of people and goods in the northern part of the GTA, spurring economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents."
- Nadia Todorova
Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario
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