New roads open to traffic around Highway 7/Hwy. 404 interchange

New roads connect business areas and relieve highway congestion

Yorkregion.com
July 10, 2018
Sheila Wang

In collaboration with Markham and Richmond Hill, York Region has transformed the road network around Hwy. 404 and Hwy. 7 interchange, one of the four major employment zones in the Greater Toronto Area. - Courtesy of York Region

Two brand new roads opened to traffic July 10 around the Hwy. 404/Highway 7 interchange to provide more transportation options for travellers.

The construction of the two roads -- Norman Bethune Avenue and Aristotle Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Markham -- is part of a joint effort in York Region to relieve road congestion and link business areas.

Home to the leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies, the interchange area is one of the four major employment mega zones in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Norman Bethune Avenue, a four-lane overpass, connects East Pearce Street in the East Beaver Creek business area in Richmond Hill with the business park on Centurian Drive in Markham. It includes on-street bike lanes, sidewalks, trees and street lighting.

“This overpass is vital infrastructure, needed to tackle the No. 1 issue facing residents in York Region," Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said. “It will relieve congestion along Highway 7 and provide a safe option for cyclists and pedestrians."

Aristotle Avenue is a three-lane extension of the northbound Hwy. 404 off-ramp, which  increases connectivity and minimizes the need for making multiple turns when travelling to and from Hwy. 404.

Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow said improving transportation options and connecting with the rest of the Greater Toronto Area has been a top priority for Richmond Hill.

York Region started construction of the $58-million project in spring 2016.

For more construction information about this project, visit york.ca.