Ontario Construction News staff writer
Caledon-based Kodiak Tree Services has been hired to clear trees across four hectares of land between Highway 400 and Simcoe County Road 4, the next step in the Bradford Bypass project. Work has already begun and is expected to be completed in the new year.
During construction the project will create about 2,200 jobs each year.
โThis is a critical step in getting this much-needed highway project underway,โ said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. โGridlock is not just an inconvenienceโitโs driving up costs and affecting quality of life for families, workers, and businesses across Ontario.
โThatโs why weโre committed to building infrastructure like the Bradford Bypass that will reduce congestion and improve travel times for millions of Ontarians.โ
A recent report from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis estimates that gridlock costs Ontarioโs economy a staggering $56 billion annually, underscoring the importance of major infrastructure initiatives like the Bradford Byass.
The new highway will span 16.3 kilometres, connecting Highway 404 in the east to Highway 400 in the west, alleviating congestion along some of the regionโs most heavily trafficked routes.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor James Leduc welcomed the announcement, calling the Bradford Bypass a vital addition to the region’s transportation network.
โThis new route will not only ease congestion but also improve safety and travel efficiency for residents of Simcoe County, as well as for visitors heading to the area,โ Leduc said. โItโs a win for both local communities and the broader Ontario economy.โ
Earlier this year, the province awarded a contract for detailed design work on the west section of the bypass, along with a construction management contract to ensure safety, quality control, and timely delivery. In July, crews also began construction of a new lane on Highway 400 that will connect to the future bypass.
The Bradford Bypass is expected to create up to 2,200 jobs annually during construction.