The province began construction on the Bradford Bypass in mid-May.
The new four-lane highway, officially named Highway 425, is touted to fight gridlock in York and Simcoe Counties, Ontario’s fastest-growing and congested regions. The provincial government says the highway will create thousands of construction jobs, in addition to 2,200 jobs annually and add up to $286 million annually to Ontario’s GDP.
Environmental groups remain opposed to the 16.3-kilometre highway, however, since it will cross the Holland River and its East Branch, which is home to migratory birds, a host of fish species and aquatic life, and several species-at-risk, including an endangered eel species. They also cite concerns about how it will affect water quality and add to pollution throughout sensitive areas.
