Highway 404 high occupancy vehicle project will reduce congestion in Toronto area

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 9, 2016) - Strong urban transportation networks are the foundation of more inclusive and sustainable cities for Canadians and their families. They contribute to economic prosperity, reduce congestion, and help commuters safely get from point A to point B faster. That is why the federal and provincial governments are supporting the expansion of Highway 404 in the Toronto area.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Markham - Stouffville, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, were in Toronto today to announce funding for this highway expansion project. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $46,057,500 through the New Building Canada Fund and the Government of Ontario is responsible for all remaining costs of the project.

The expansion of Highway 404, between Highway 407 and Stouffville Road, consists of constructing high occupancy vehicle lanes in each direction. The project will also involve the construction of a carpool and transit lot that will include 171 parking spaces in the southwest quadrant of Highway 404 and Major Mackenzie Drive. Once completed, this project will help reduce travel time and traffic congestion, and contribute to safer driving conditions for commuters along this key corridor.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with its partners to support smart infrastructure investments that will improve the quality of life for middle class Canadians and contribute to economic growth. The Highway 404 project will help support the growing community's transit needs and the movement of goods along this important travel route, today and in the future."

- The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Markham - Stouffville, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"We are pleased to partner with the federal government on this important project that will help reduce travel times and keep goods moving across the GTHA. These types of critical investments help us build good quality infrastructure that will help improve the quality of life for those living in Ontario and provide better opportunities and access for businesses in the region."

- The Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province's history. To learn more about what's happening in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html.

New Building Canada Fund - Provincial Territorial Component - National Regional Projects: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html.

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html.

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada