Transport minister announces Highway 427 extension

Province to introduce its first HOT lanes, Del Duca says

Torontoobserver.ca
March 7, 2016
By Krystal Reynolds

Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca announced Thursday the government is extending Highway 427 by 6.6 kilometres from Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive.

“Construction is expected to begin in 2017,” Del Duca said. “With the highway opening to traffic in 2020.”

The extension plan will include the first high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes with electronic tolling on Highway 427, from south of Highway 409 to north of Rutherford Road.

“The HOT lanes will be free for carpoolers and will allow single occupant vehicles to use the lanes for a charge,” Del Duca said. “It will be an effective way at managing congestion by giving people options and incentives, that will help reduce commuting times and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Later this year, the government is starting a pilot project for HOT lanes on current High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) sections of the QEW.