Ontario Construction News staff writer
A new four-lane bridge over Highway 404 and the Rouge River has been finished, connecting Richmond Hill with Markham and offering a fresh east-west route for drivers, walkers, and cyclists.
Officials from York Region, the City of Markham, and the City of Richmond Hill came together to celebrate the project’s completion, which kicked off construction in 2023 alongside the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
The $110-million venture links Orlando Avenue in Richmond Hill to Markland Street in Markham. This crossing also connects Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue, creating another route between neighborhoods and job areas on both sides of Highway 404.
The project involved building separate bridges over Highway 404 and the Rouge River, as well as extending Cachet Woods Court to join with the new crossing.
Sidewalks and multi-use paths were constructed along the road, along with landscaping and environmental enhancements. The effort included planting thousands of local trees and plants, stabilizing sections of the Rouge River, and improving stormwater quality.
Funding for this initiative came from approximately $65 million from Markham, $28 million from Richmond Hill, and $17 million from York Region.
York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe remarked that this project was made possible through teamwork among municipal and provincial partners.
“This $110 million total investment improves connectivity between communities and employment areas, making it easier for residents and businesses to move throughout the Region,” Jolliffe said.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti noted that the city contributed about $65 million towards this crossing.
This project is set to offer an alternative route for traffic while helping reduce congestion on current main roads. The new sidewalks and multi-use pathways also give people more choices for walking, cycling, or other forms of micromobility.
Richmond Hill Mayor David West mentioned that this project brings environmental benefits along with new transport options for locals.
The newly built Rouge River bridge was designed to better protect the river’s floodplain while accommodating the new roadway connection.
This crossing aims to enhance access between Richmond Hill and Markham as development grows in surrounding communities.
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