A $110-million initiative aims to enhance connectivity across the highway, ease local road traffic, and offer options for walking and biking.
Today, York Region marked the completion of a new four-lane bridge on Highway 404 that connects Markham with Richmond Hill.
The $110-million development spans Highway 404, linking Orlando Avenue in Richmond Hill to Markland Street in Markham.
This crossing has been planned for several years, focusing on improving connections on both sides of the highway, reducing traffic congestion on nearby roads, and creating pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.
York Region chair Eric Jolliffe remarked that infrastructure projects like this take time to develop but will provide benefits for many years ahead.
“As our communities continue to grow, so does the need for infrastructure that keeps people, goods, and services moving safely and efficiently,” he said. “This project is an important example of our continued commitment to building for the future.”
Construction began in the summer of 2023. The project features multi-use sidewalks and paths along the four-lane road. Funding was shared between Markham with $65 million, Richmond Hill with $28 million, and York Region contributing $17 million.
Additions to the project included extending Cachet Woods Court from Markham to the new crossing, building a bridge over Highway 404 as well as another over Rouge River, plus environmental upgrades through planting aimed at stabilizing the river and enhancing stormwater quality.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti noted this isn’t just about opening a road; it’s about connecting communities.
“A connection that will help thousands of residents in York Region get to where they need to go more quickly, more safely and more efficiently,” Scarpitti said. “Today, our communities are more connected than ever before.”
He reflected on how back in 2012 Markham requested another highway crossing to alleviate stress on major routes within the town.
“Every connection creates open doors to new economic opportunities,” he said. “A piece of infrastructure that helps strengthen the foundation for generations to come. This crossing stands as a testament to what we can achieve when governments work together.”
Richmond Hill Mayor David West mentioned that there has always been a strong bond between both cities since many residents travel frequently between them.
“This project strengthens those east-west connections across our communities while providing alternate options to improve mobility, addressing a significant transportation barrier,” he said. He also expressed gratitude towards how this initiative considers non-car transportation methods. “The new multi-use paths will provide opportunities for walking and cycling, giving residents more options for how they travel throughout communities.”
The project also involved reconstructing roads along Orlando Avenue and Markland Street.
New traffic signals were installed at both ends of the bridge. While it doesn’t directly connect into any highway access points, an interchange is located just south along 16th Avenue.
You can find more details at york. ca/Hwy404Crossing.
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