The Ontario government announced advancing planning for the Bradford Bypass, a new four-lane freeway connecting Highway 400 and Highway 404 in Simcoe County and York Region.
According to the province, both regions are expected to experience rapid growth over the next 10 to 20 years and investing in this new corridor is required to ease congestion on Highway 400 and existing east-west local roads.
In its recently announced fall economic statement, the provincial government earmarked $2.6 billion in for highways and bridges, including committing to advance the Bradford Bypass, but hasn’t provided an exact figure for spending on the highway.
“With both Simcoe County and York Region expected to grow at incredible speed, building the Bradford Bypass is a no-brainer,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Delivering on this and other important infrastructure projects will create good jobs, help stimulate our economy and reduce highway congestion as our government delivers on our mission of building Ontario.”
“Historic transportation infrastructure investments, like the Bradford Bypass, will move people faster, get goods to market quicker, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from bumper-to-bumper traffic,” added Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “The Bradford Bypass will set up local families and businesses for success by not only easing congestion that already exists, but also unlocking housing opportunities and job creation in the region, securing Ontario’s growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
According to a press release from the province, this project will build Ontario up into the future and is expected to support more than 700 jobs per year on average during construction and generate more than $70 million in annual real GDP. Motorists and trucks are anticipated to see more than a 60 per cent savings in travel time when using the new freeway compared to existing routes along local roads, which will save up to 35 minutes.
“Tomorrow’s prosperity depends on getting shovels in the ground today, which is why our government is committed to building the Bradford Bypass and relieving gridlock so drivers spend less time trapped in bumper-to-bumper traffic and more time with friends and family,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “We are steadfast in our commitment to a recovery fueled by economic growth, which will ensure that the people of Ontario benefit from jobs, prosperity and opportunity.”
Featured image: (Left to right) Doug Ford, Premier; Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation; Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance(Twitter/@ONtransport)
