Ontario Awards Contracts to Advance Work on Bradford Bypass

BRADFORD — The Ontario government has awarded contracts for the detail design of the central and east sections of the Bradford Bypass, marking a significant milestone in the province’s plan to build the four-lane, 16-kilometre highway that will relieve gridlock and cut travel times across York Region and Simcoe County by 35 minutes. The province has also awarded a program management consultant contract to oversee the full Bradford Bypass project, including design, quality assurance, schedule and construction oversight. Construction of the highway will support more than 2,200 jobs per year and contribute $286 million to Ontario’s GDP.

“Our government is protecting Ontario by making historic investments in highway infrastructure that will strengthen the economy in the face of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Bradford Bypass will cut gridlock, shorten commute times, strengthen east-west connections between Highways 400 and 404 and keep people and goods moving through one of the fastest growing parts of the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”

The province has selected the teams that will design the two sections of the Bradford Bypass running from Highway 404 in the east to Simcoe County Road 4 in the west. As part of this work, crews will conduct field work, consult with Indigenous communities, coordinate utility relocations and finalize the design of the two sections. Once complete, the Bradford Bypass will save drivers an estimated 35 minutes in travel time compared to using local roads.

“Our government’s mandate to protect Ontario includes delivering the Bradford Bypass, which residents across York-Simcoe have been asking governments to build for decades,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “Today’s announcement builds on our substantial progress to-date to get shovels in the ground and finally make this project a reality for our region.”

Work is also ongoing on the west section of the Bradford Bypass, including construction of a temporary detour at 10 Sideroad to support construction of a future bridge and interchange. Last year, the province awarded contracts for detail design and a construction manager for the west section. Since then, crews have completed tree clearing along the proposed route to streamline utility relocations and clear a path for construction. In addition, work is underway on a southbound lane on Highway 400 that will connect to the Bradford Bypass.

Quick Facts

• WSP Canada Inc. and Stantec Consulting Ltd. have been awarded the detail design contracts for the central and east sections.

• Jacobs Consultancy Canada Inc. & Egis Canada Ltd. have been awarded the program management consultant contract for the full project.

• The 16.3-kilometre Bradford Bypass will connect Highway 404 in the east to Highway 400 in the west, running through York Region and Simcoe County.

• Construction of the Bradford Bypass will contribute $286 million to Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually and help support over 2,200 jobs per year.

• The Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 received Royal Assent in November 2024, allowing the province to accelerate construction of priority highway projects including the Bradford Bypass, Highway 413 and the Garden City Skyway bridge-twinning project.

Quotes

"East Gwillimbury is excited to see the Bradford Bypass move into this next stage. The project aligns with our Town’s Official Plan and supports the economic growth we are already experiencing in our community. Connecting Highways 404 and 400 will provide additional travel options for residents, businesses, and visitors. As our communities continue to grow, we must have the infrastructure in place to help people get where they’re going safely and efficiently."

- Brian Johns

Acting Mayor of East Gwillimbury

"Today’s announcement reflects the strong provincial commitment to improving how people move across our region. The investments being made in the Bradford Bypass and surrounding infrastructure will help reduce gridlock, support economic growth, and get families home approximately 30 minutes faster. Bradford West Gwillimbury, together with our neighbours in East Gwillimbury, is grateful for this continued attention to our growing communities, and we look forward to seeing this important work move ahead."

- James Leduc

Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury

"Advancing work on the Bradford Bypass is a meaningful step toward tackling Ontario’s gridlock crisis and protecting the province’s economic growth. Recent research shows congestion is costing Ontario roughly $56.4 billion every year in combined economic and social impacts, underscoring the need for strategic highway investments that keep people and goods moving. By improving east-west connectivity and supporting thousands of jobs, the Bradford Bypass will help relieve pressure on our transportation network and deliver lasting economic benefits for communities across York Region and Simcoe County."

- Steven Crombie

Ontario Road Builders' Association

"Ontario’s infrastructure depends on a reliable, close-to-market aggregate supply, and today’s announcement reinforces the importance of building the projects that grow our economy. Design today means shovels in the ground tomorrow — and that keeps Ontario moving."

- Sharon Armstrong

Executive Director (Interim), Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association

"Advancing to the final design and route tender for the Bradford Bypass is welcome news for the province. RCCAO commends the Ontario government for its continued commitment to moving this project forward and bringing the region closer to meaningful congestion relief and much-needed transportation capacity. Investing in critical infrastructure in one of the GTA’s fastest-growing regions is vital to Ontario’s long-term prosperity and will strengthen the economy by improving the movement of people and goods in and through the community."

- Nadia Todorova

Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario

"The Bradford Bypass is the kind of forward-looking infrastructure Ontario needs, and LiUNA Local 183 is proud to support this important announcement on the central and east sections. This project will create thousands of jobs for our highly skilled members and open the door for even more apprentices to begin rewarding careers in the skilled trades. By easing gridlock and improving the movement of people, equipment, and materials, the Bradford Bypass will strengthen local communities and ensure our job sites and Ontario keep moving forward."

- Jack Oliveira

Business Manager, LiUNA Local 183

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org