Province beginning early work to build Bradford Bypass
Posted November 9, 2022 12:38 pm.
Last Updated November 9, 2022 3:56 pm.
The first stages of construction on the new Bradford Bypass have begun with work on a bridge over the future highway now underway, according to the province.
In a news release, the Ontario government said construction on a bridge over County Road 4, also known as Yonge Street, has started.
It will allow for County Road 4 to pass over the future Bypass between 8th and 9th Lines in the north end of the City of Bradford. The project also includes widening County Road 4 from two lanes to four.
“Our government will be relentless in delivering on our ambitious plan to build the much-needed infrastructure that our growing province needs” Premier Doug Ford said in a news release.
“Building the Bradford Bypass is a key part of our plan to fight gridlock in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, helping commuters spend less time in traffic while creating good paying jobs for the people of this region.”
RELATED: Ford government commits to fully fund Bradford Bypass in Simcoe-York
Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer threw his support behind the project, saying it’s important for his city and the province to work together on the new highway.
“Proceeding with the overpass is a major step towards construction of the highway and demonstrates great cooperation between the province and Simcoe County,” Keffer said in the news release.
“I’d like to thank Premier Ford and Minister Mulroney for their ongoing commitment to this critical infrastructure investment in York Region and Simcoe County.”
Proposal for new connector highway has a long history
The Bradford Bypass has long been a proposed connector route between Highways 404 and 400 through York and Simcoe. It had first been debated as a potential project in the late 1970s before finally being shelved by the previous Liberal government in 2003. It was revived by the Conservatives when they took power in 2017.
A map showing the route of the future Bradford Bypass as supplied by the Province.
The Ford government said environmental assessments for the new four-lane highway are currently underway and are planned to be completed in 2023.
The new bridge at County Road 4 is expected to be completed in 2024, but no firm date has been announced for when the Bradford Bypass itself may be completed.
