Transportation improvements at Peel-York boundary

Peel region, in partnership with York region, has finalized plans to widen Regional Road 50 from Queen Street East to Castlemore/Rutherford Road, a joint roadway between the two regions.

Construction is expected to commence in 2007 with anticipated completion in 2008. The project is expected to provide more capacity to the road network to meet current and future needs.

“With the roadway expansion to six lanes, as well as a provision for potential traffic control signals on Highway 50 at Ebenezer and Fogal Roads, we’re actively increasing the road network capacity and improving safety for motorists and residents,” said Peel Regional Councillor Elaine Moore, chair of the public works committee.

At the same time, Peel and York regions are asking the Ministry of Transportation to partner in the construction of an interim municipal arterial extension from the existing terminus of Highway 427 at Highway 7 to the Fogal Road/Zenway Boulevard alignment. York region has already built Zenway Boulevard from Highway 27 to Rainbow Creek Drive; and it is projected that Fogal Road will be widened from Regional Road 50 and extended as a four-lane roadway that will intersect with the proposed municipal road extension from Highway 427. This is expected to provide traffic relief to the area road network and the intersection of Regional Road 50 and Queen Street East.

“The Peel-York collaboration is a prime example of two governments working together in the best interests of their residents,” said Peel regional chair Emil Kolb. “Together, these projects are not only win-win for Peel and York, but for motorists all across the Greater Toronto Area.”

And as part of the planning process for a possible Highway 427 extension, Peel region, along with York region and the MTO, has started a preliminary feasibility analysis for road improvements in the Regional Road 50/Highway 427 extension area. A master plan environment assessment study will be initiated to plan road improvements with appropriate links to the future Highway 427 extension.

This study will also ensure that road improvements on both sides of the regional boundary are planned in an integrated manner; and that valuable input to the MTO’s Highway 427 environmental assessment is provided, which will determine the highway route and end point, as well as locations of interchanges with major arterial roads.

“From Peel region’s point of view, the highway should extend beyond Rutherford Road and provide easy access to the road improvements currently being planned by Peel and York regions,” says Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell, chair of the planning committee. “Our goal is to ensure that this project improves traffic flow and eases gridlock.”

For more information on the 427 transportation corridor environmental assessment process, please visit 427corridor.com.

For more information about Peel region, call 905-791-7800, or visit its Web site at peelregion.ca.