Ontario Construction News staff writer
A new four-lane road crossing over Highway 404 and the Rouge River has been completed, connecting Richmond Hill and Markham and providing a new east-west route for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Officials from York Region, the City of Markham and the City of Richmond Hill gathered to mark the completion of the project, which began construction in 2023 in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
The $110-million project connects Orlando Avenue in Richmond Hill with Markland Street in Markham. The crossing also connects Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue, providing another route between communities and employment areas on either side of Highway 404.
The project included construction of separate bridges over Highway 404 and the Rouge River, as well as an extension of Cachet Woods Court to connect with the new crossing.
Sidewalks and multi-use pathways were also built along the roadway, along with landscaping and environmental work. The project included planting thousands of native trees and plants, stabilizing and naturalizing sections of the Rouge River and improving stormwater quality.
Funding for the project included approximately $65 million from Markham, $28 million from Richmond Hill and $17 million from York Region.
York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe said the project was completed through collaboration among the municipal and provincial partners.
“This $110 million total investment improves connectivity between communities and employment areas, making it easier for residents and businesses to move throughout the Region,” Jolliffe said.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said the city contributed about $65 million toward the crossing.
The project is expected to provide an alternative route for traffic and help reduce volumes on existing arterial and local roads. The new sidewalks and multi-use pathways also provide additional options for walking, cycling and other forms of micromobility.
Richmond Hill Mayor David West said the project also includes environmental improvements and new transportation options for residents.
The new Rouge River bridge was designed to improve protection of the river’s floodplain while accommodating the new roadway connection.
The crossing is intended to improve access between Richmond Hill and Markham as development and employment areas in the surrounding communities continue to grow.
