'Total frustration': Vaughan drivers fuming over major road construction

Drivers are 'losing their minds' over clogged Major Mackenzie, Rutherford and Dufferin

Yorkregion.com
April 18, 2023
Kim Zarzour

Why is everything happening in one part of Vaughan, all at once?

Residents and drivers are expressing frustration with York Region’s work on roadways -- Major Mackenzie Drive, Rutherford Road and Dufferin Street -- all of which seem to be bunged up all at the same time.

“I drive these roads every day and the level of disruption is actually quite extreme, among the worst I’ve seen,” Vaughan Mayor Stephen Del Duca said at the April 13 regional committee of the whole.

Del Duca, who was speaking in response to a transportation capital infrastructure update, said drivers are in an “extraordinarily tough situation” because the work is being done simultaneously in one section of the city; they have no other options to get where they are going.

“They’re kind of stuck and as their representatives at regional council, we’re stuck, too, in terms of giving them satisfactory answers … It’s hard to know what to say to residents.”

Vaughan regional councillor Linda Jackson also heard "total frustration” in the community.

“I received two emails yesterday from people who were just losing their minds.”

Del Duca asked regional staff whether an analysis was done during the planning stage to ensure multiple projects weren’t taken on at the same time and what is being done to avoid the scenario again.

Salim Alibhai, director of capital planning and delivery, transportation operations and public works, said the region tries to maintain the same number of lanes that were open pre-construction, but in some cases -- between Jane and Keele for sewer replacement, for example, and Major Mack and Keele for water main work -- it is not possible.

In other cases, the region allows contractors to close lanes in off-peak hours, but that means the project duration is extended, he said.

“It’s a delicate balance to try to please everybody, but that’s the reality of construction,” he said.

“We know there’s a balancing act, but there’s been no co-ordination as far as I’ve seen,” Del Duca said. “I’m grateful for the work staff are doing, but there’s got to be a better way.”

Alibhai said plans were approved by council and road crews are trying to complete the projects as quickly as possible -- but sometimes, there are delays.

Rutherford, for example, took a year to get CN track aligned and flagmen to do the work. "It was supposed to happen six months ago and was delayed.”

These are some of the most congested corridors in the region -- which is why they are being worked on, he added.

Del Duca and Jackson called for better communication and more detailed briefings for local politicians so they can better inform residents about what to expect.

Biweekly updates are planned on all projects underway for Vaughan to disseminate to constituents, Alibhai said.

Construction is planned at more than 90 locations across York Region this year, with a record investment in transportation services during this term of council.

The region has budgeted $3.9 billion in 2023 as part of its 10-year transportation capital budget, with $2.64 billion allocated to roads and $1.26 billion for transit.