Ontario Moving Forward On Highway 427 Expansion
Province Creating Jobs, Building A Strong Economy By Investing In Key Infrastructure

news.ontario.ca
March 3, 2016

View the video announcement here.

Ontario is making progress to expand Highway 427, which will create jobs and support economic growth and development.

The province has released a request for proposals to three shortlisted bidders to extend Highway 427 by 6.6 kilometres (km) from Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive. The highway will also be widened for about 4 km south of Albion Road to Highway 7. Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and the road will be open to traffic in 2020.

High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane infrastructure will be included in the construction work. A 15.5 km stretch of dedicated HOT lanes with electronic tolling in both directions on Highway 427, from south of Highway 409 to north of Rutherford Road, will open in 2021.

Expanding Highway 427 is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history - about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. In 2015, the province announced support for more than 325 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.

Improving highway infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

• A request for qualifications issued in July 2015 shortlisted the top three teams based on their construction capability, experience, qualified personnel and financial capacity to deliver a project of this size and scope.
• The three teams short-listed to respond to a request for proposals for the project are: Blackbird Infrastructure Group, 427 Link-PAW and Link 427-AM.
• Ontario’s population is expected to increase by approximately 40 per cent by 2041, placing additional importance on having modern infrastructure.
• This summer, the province is conducting a HOT lanes pilot project on the existing High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) section of the QEW from Trafalgar Road in Oakville to Guelph Line in Burlington.

Additional Resources

• Building Together
• Traveller's Road Information Portal (TRIP)
• Ontario’s Plan for High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes

Quotes

“Our government is moving forward with extending Highway 427, creating jobs and opportunities for residents and businesses living and working in the region. This is further proof of our government’s commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario families.”

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

“Delivering on the 427 expansion project is a key initiative for our government. The expansion will give commuters additional routes to get to work and school, help manage congestion, and create unparalleled economic opportunities. We are proud to deliver modern, efficient infrastructure that will help our communities thrive.”

Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

“The Highway 427 Extension is another step forward in Vaughan’s transformation into a leading urban centre. The completion of this new transportation route will greatly improve the flow of goods and services, and provide a new connection for our citizens and businesses. I thank the province for their investment in our community and their commitment to ensuring that our transportation system grows to meet the needs of our changing city.”

Maurizio Bevilacqua , Mayor of Vaughan