Ontario Construction News staff writer
Premier Doug Ford visited Bradford on Wednesday to launch construction on a bridge that will cross over the future Bradford Bypass.
Ford was joined by York-Simcoe MPP and Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney to make the announcement.
“When our government said we would reduce gridlock and connect communities here in the Golden Horseshoe, we meant it,” Ford said. “In April, we awarded the contract to build the bridge over the Bradford Bypass and today I’m thrilled to stand here with our partners to see construction start.
“Shovels are in the ground. We’re getting it done for the GTA families. The bridge we’re building here will be a critical part of the Bradford Bypass.”
In April 2022, Brennan Paving & Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract to design and construct the new bridge which will allow County of Simcoe Road 4 (Yonge Street) between 8th Line and 9th Line to cross over the future Bradford Bypass. The project will also include widening County Road 4 from two to four lanes.
The bypass will connect Highway 400 and Highway 404 in Simcoe County and York Region. During construction, it’s estimated to contribute $274 million in annual real GDP and support 2,640 jobs per year on average in the transportation, engineering, construction and supply-chain industries.
“Our government will be relentless in delivering on our ambitious plan to build the much needed infrastructure that our growing province needs,” Ford said. “Building the Bradford Bypass is a key part of our plan to fight gridlock in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, helping commuters spend less time in traffic while creating good paying jobs for the people of this region.”
An agreement is in place to coordinate the Bradford Bypass project and the County of Simcoe’s planned expansion work on County Road 4, aimed at optimizing the work required to improve gridlock and reduce the risk of construction delays.
During the construction period, the Bradford Bypass is estimated to contribute $274 million in annual real GDP and support 2,640 jobs per year on average in the transportation, engineering, construction and supply-chain industries.
“This Bypass is needed and welcomed by the road building industry as more than $785 million of goods per day move on Ontario’s highways, making the transportation system the backbone of our export-driven economy,” said Kevin Machej, president, Ontario Road Builders’ Association. “Furthermore, the Bradford Bypass will relieve congestion on existing east-west roads in Bradford and provide a northern connection between Highway 400 and Highway 404, saving time and reducing greenhouse gases.
“The Bypass will significantly contribute to Ontario’s growing economy by creating jobs during construction, connecting people to major employment areas and attracting more businesses to the region.”