Like clockwork, Highway 400 clogs with motorists every summer weekend—most of them cottagers ditching the city for a peaceful, quiet weekend by the lake. But a recent announcement from the government of Ontario bodes well for cottagers that have grown weary of the bumper-to-bumper traffic: the province is moving forward with the widening of Highway 400.
The government plans to widen the highway along an 11-kilometre section from Highway 9 near Newmarket to the future Bradford Bypass, or Highway 425, just south of Cook’s Bay on Lake Simcoe. In May, the Bradford Bypass began construction to link Highway 400 to Highway 404 across Simcoe County.
Both projects are intended to reduce congestion and support population growth expected for the Golden Horseshoe region.
“For families and commuters across York-Simcoe, Highway 400 is an essential part of getting to work, getting home, and staying connected to communities across the region,” says MPP for York-Simcoe Susan Lahey. “Widening this important corridor will reduce commute times, improve traffic flow, and support the continued growth of our communities.”
Construction will see the 11-kilometre stretch of Highway 400 widened from six to ten lanes, including one general-purpose lane and one high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction.
American construction engineering company AECOM was awarded the design contract for the project and will also be responsible for culverts, signage, drainage and storm sewers, lighting, and interchange ramps along the expanded highway.
The project is a part of Ontario’s larger $31 billion investment in transportation infrastructure, including the future widening of Highway 400 farther north, in Barrie. Last year, the province also completed a nine-kilometre stretch of the highway from Major Mackenzie Drive to King Road.
Related Story How to prevent car sickness during the cottage commute
Related Story 9 restaurants worth the stop on your cottage commute
Related Story How to stay comfortable during a long cottage car commute