Ontario Kicks Off Major Highway Expansion with New Interchange and Southbound Lane on Highway 400

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

The Ontario government is initiating construction on a new interchange at Highway 400 and Simcoe County Road 88, along with a new southbound lane on Highway 400 that will connect to the future Bradford Bypass. Beginning this summer, this project represents a key milestone in the province’s strategy to reduce traffic congestion in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, minimize commute times, and generate quality jobs for regional workers.

“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. The project includes building a section of a southbound lane on Highway 400 to connect with the new Bradford Bypass, reconstructing the Highway 400-Simcoe County Road 88 interchange and its underpass bridge, widening Simcoe County Road 88 from two to four lanes, and expanding the Highway 400 platform to support a future expansion to 10 lanes.

“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 detailed design of the western section of the Bradford Bypass, spanning 6.5 kilometers from Highway 400 to Simcoe County Road 4. The Bradford Bypass will serve as a crucial link for communities in York Region and Simcoe County, enhancing access to jobs and housing. During construction, the project is anticipated to support up to 2,200 jobs annually and contribute up to $286 million to the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).