Province delivering on commitment to build key highway and reduce gridlock across York Region and Simcoe County
| NEWS | May 14, 2026 |
BRADFORD — The Ontario government has begun major construction on the Bradford Bypass, marking a significant milestone in the province’s plan to fight gridlock and shorten travel times across York Region and Simcoe County by up to 35 minutes. Construction of the new four-lane highway will support 2,200 jobs annually and contribute up to $286 million to Ontario’s GDP.
“With major construction underway on the Bradford Bypass, we’ve reached a historic milestone in our plan to give relief to commuters from some of the most congested highways in North America,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We will continue to invest in our $236 billion plan to build, including the Bradford Bypass, Highway 413 and the 401 tunnel, saving drivers and businesses across Ontario time and money.”
Crews have broken ground on the west section of the Bradford Bypass at Sideroad 10, where work is beginning to build the divided highway from west of Artesian Industrial Parkway to Highway 400. The work includes building interchanges at Sideroad 10 and County Road 4, replacing the bridge at Highway 400 and Line 9 and adding a new freeway-to-freeway interchange connecting the Bradford Bypass to Highway 400. Once complete, the 16.3-kilometre highway will run from Highway 400 in the west to Highway 404 in the east.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government continues to fight gridlock that costs Ontario up to $56 billion a year,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Bradford Bypass will provide much-needed relief to drivers in York Region and Simcoe County, support thousands of good-paying jobs and keep people and goods moving in one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions.”
The Ontario government is investing more than $31 billion to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across the province. Last year, the province awarded contracts for the detail design of the central and east sections of the Bradford Bypass and named a program management consultant to oversee the full project.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario government also announced today that the Bradford Bypass will be designated as Highway 425.
- The Miller Group has been awarded the construction contract for the west section of the Bradford Bypass.
- Crews have completed tree clearing along the west section of the Bradford Bypass and built a temporary detour at Sideroad 10 to support construction of the new bridge and interchange.
- The Bradford Bypass will help address population growth and increasing travel demand in York Region and Simcoe County. York Region’s population is expected to reach 1.8 million by 2041, while Simcoe County’s population is expected to reach 416,000 by 2031.
Quotes
“Breaking ground on the west section of the Bradford Bypass is a significant milestone for our community and our region. As Bradford West Gwillimbury continues to grow, investments like these are essential to reducing congestion, improving travel times and supporting economic opportunity. We thank the province for their continued partnership and commitment to building stronger connections between communities.”
– James Leduc
Mayor, Bradford West Gwillimbury
“Today marks an important milestone for York Region and Simcoe County residents, and for residents across Southern Ontario. As East Gwillimbury and York Region continue to grow, projects like the Bradford Bypass are critical to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and help families gain back time to focus on what really matters. Thank you to the provincial government for moving this long-awaited project forward. This is a major step that will help strengthen transportation and people connections and we’re pleased to see this long-awaited project move ahead.”
– Virginia Hackson
Mayor, East Gwillimbury
“We are fulfilling our promise to the people of Ontario to build the Bradford Bypass which farmers and families have asked governments to do for generations. With construction officially underway, we are one step closer to cutting commute times, bringing farmers’ goods to market faster and growing our economy for decades to come.”
– Caroline Mulroney
MPP, York—Simcoe
“The OSWCA supports the government’s continued investment in critical transportation infrastructure like the Bradford Bypass. As Ontario continues to grow, critical infrastructure projects like this will play an important role in reducing congestion, supporting economic development and creating and sustaining thousands of well-paying skilled trades jobs for Ontario workers. This project is an investment that will pay off immediately and long into the future.”
– Patrick McManus
Executive Director, Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA)
“The beginning of construction for the Bradford Bypass is fantastic news. This is a critical addition to Ontario’s transportation infrastructure network that will create jobs, support economic development, improve the movement of goods across the region and reduce gridlock. By connecting two of the province’s vital transportation arteries — Highways 400 and 404 — the Bradford Bypass will strengthen regional connectivity and help support Ontario’s growing economy. RCCAO commends the Ontario government for reaching this exciting milestone. Our members will continue to advocate for infrastructure solutions that support Ontario’s growth and work with partners in government to get projects built.”
– Nadia Todorova
Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)
“This milestone on the Bradford Bypass is an important step toward addressing one of Ontario’s most pressing challenges, gridlock. Congestion costs Ontarians more than $50 billion annually in lost productivity, delayed goods movement and increased costs for families and businesses. Strategic infrastructure investment in the Bradford Bypass is essential to keeping people, goods and our economy moving efficiently. Ontario Road Builders’ Association members are proud to help deliver this critical infrastructure.”
– Walid Abou-Hamde
CEO, Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA)
“The start of construction on the Bradford Bypass is a major step forward for one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario. Our members are ready to deliver this critical highway, which will reduce gridlock, support thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthen the movement of people and goods across the Greater Toronto Area. This project reflects the province’s commitment to building the infrastructure our communities need to grow and thrive.”
– Raly Chakarova
Executive Director, Toronto and Area Road Builders Association
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