WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? Major Mackenzie Drive near Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan hospital being widened to 6 lanes

Region of York expanding often slow stretch between Hwy. 400 and Jane Street to 6 lanes at projected cost of $28.8 million

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 26, 2020
Adam Martin-Robbins

Motorists frustrated by the often slow-moving traffic along Major Mackenzie Drive, between Hwy. 400 and Jane Street, should brace themselves as driving in that area is about to get even slower at times.

JUST THE FACTS

Major Mackenzie Drive is being widened to six lanes from four lanes between Hwy. 400 and Jane Street
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The region will also be widening two bridges east and west of Wellness Way/Amusement Drive; reconfiguring the bridge over Hwy. 400, including making adjustments to the on- and off-ramps and extending the multi-use path on the south side of Major Mackenzie Drive to Jane Street.

Work is being carried out in stages in an effort to minimize disruptions.

Stage 1 started in mid-October and includes widening the bridge over Coaster Way.

That bridge work requires a closure of Coaster Way from Amusement Drive to Wellness Way from October until the spring of 2021. Major Mackenzie Drive will remain open, and the eastbound left-turn lanes at Jane Street will be maintained.

Throughout the duration of the project, you can expect lane reductions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Night work with lane reductions may be required from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and there will be short-term lane reductions to remove a median during the construction period.

Stage 2 is expected to begin in spring 2021.

During this stage, work will begin on the south side of Major Mackenzie Drive followed by work on the north side, including widening the road to six lanes, from four, installing the multi-use path, adding street lighting and streetscaping.

Stage 2 is expected to be finished in late 2021 or early 2022.

Following that, work will begin on the Hwy. 400 interchange in late 2021 or early 2022. That work is expected to be completed in late 2022 or early 2023.

The current budget for the project is $28.8 million.

For more information, visit the York Region’s project web page.