East Gwillimbury mayor excited about potential of Hwy. 404-400 link

Yorkregion.com
May 31, 2017
By Simon Martin

There might be some congestion relief coming for Green Lane in the distant future.

The updated provincial growth plan outlined a need for a “highway extension” to connect Highways 400 and 404, formerly known as the Bradford Bypass, to support growth in the area. The plan was released May 18, 2017, after two years of public consultation. A significant public movement was organized in 2016 by Bradford West Gwillimbury, East Gwillimbury, York Region and Simcoe County as well as surrounding municipalities to garner support and public feedback for the province in hopes that the link would be added to the growth pan.

“This is a great success for everyone involved. We have been lobbying for this core piece of infrastructure for many years,” East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson said. “Thanks to the power of our municipal partnerships, the province has recognized the need for the connecting link to help alleviate congestion as we grow.”

The link will improve east-west connectivity through East Gwillimbury and Bradford West Gwillimbury by providing an alternative path for those travelling from the eastern GTA area to Highway 400. The updated plan did not outline timelines for construction. A provincial environmental assessment has already been undertaken and approved.

The new Growth Plan cites the Highway 400-404 link as an element of the infrastructure required to support growth in the area, as well as the province’s strategy for moving goods.

The Bradford Bypass moniker has been ditched in favour of the highway extension to describe the proposed 16.2-kilometre, four-lane highway in the plan.

The move is a welcome one for politicians and commuters in York Region and neighbouring municipalities in Simcoe who have repeatedly asked the province to put linking the link back on the table after it eliminated it from its plans in 2008, despite the route being pegged as a necessity by a Ministry of Transportation study that called for the route’s construction to be completed by 2021.