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Spring/Summer 2021

Richmond Hill Project News >> connecting York Region’s urban centres through rapid transit

With the opening of the rapidway on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill on December 20, 2020, residents now have rapid transit on their doorstep, providing seamless connections throughout York Region. The Yonge Street rapidway connects to Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, regional rail at Langstaff GO Station, Bernard Terminal, and bus routes along Highway 7 in Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan. It will also connect to the future Yonge North Subway Extension which will extend the TTC's Line 1 subway from Finch Avenue in Toronto to the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre in York Region. Buses headed north on Yonge will connect to Newmarket Bus Terminal and the Davis Drive rapidway, meeting up with regional rail at Newmarket GO Station, and stopping at Southlake Regional Health Centre and Highway 404 Park & Ride.

This marks the completion of the first phase of bus rapid transit in York Region, providing 34 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes in key growth centres along some of our busiest roads. These rapidways bring proven benefits, including, faster travel times, fewer collisions, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Rapid transit infrastructure projects are planned with a sustainable and prosperous future in mind. More than just transit, they are complete street rebuilds, above and below the ground. Adding upgraded utilities and infrastructure [like telecommunications, gas and water mains, culverts, new hydro poles, electric cables and bridges], more accessibility features, new tree-lined sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes and of course, fast reliable transit. As Richmond Hill continues to grow along with York Region's other urban centres, the rapidway on Yonge provides a convenient travel choice, reduces traffic congestion and will benefit the community for generations to come.

With York Region welcoming more new residents, businesses, and jobs, having new transit, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in place provides options on how to get around. As communities are transformed, we're connecting people and places — and creating possibilities.

work activity >> touch-ups and finishing works

Now that the warmer weather is here, crews are back on Yonge Street. This spring and summer, you'll see the following finishing works completed along the corridor:

• planting trees, shrubs, and flowers
• paver stone installation within the boulevards
• bike lane and bike box painting

To complete this work, there will be temporary pedestrian detours and lane closures around work zones, which will be scheduled during off-peak travel times whenever possible. In addition, you'll see deficiency and warranty work that ensures the end product meets the requirements we set out to build.

Yonge Street rapidway

Yonge Street Bus Rapid Transit Project wins 2020 Engineering Project of the Year

We were honoured to recently be awarded first place for the 2020 Engineering Project of the Year [Large Category], from the Professional Engineers Ontario — PEO York Chapter for the Yonge Street bus rapid transit project in Richmond Hill and Newmarket.

This recognition from the engineering community highlights the important investments made in rapid transit infrastructure in York Region. We would like to thank the Province, Metrolinx and our Regional and Municipal partners, as well as the project's constructor, RapidLINK for making this transformational project a success.

the time is now >> Yonge North Subway Extension

On May 11, the Government of Canada announced an unprecedented funding commitment of $10.4 billion for the delivery of four priority subway projects that includes the Yonge North Subway Extension [YNSE]. This is in addition to the April 2019, provincial commitment of nearly $17 billion for the $28.5 billion subways program.

York Region has been working for the past two decades to advance the YNSE and is looking forward to continuing the work with our federal, provincial and municipal partners to deliver this critical missing link in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area's rapid transit network.

In March, Metrolinx released the Initial Business Case and Supplementary Analysis for the YNSE. The Initial Business Case includes a review of technical and costing alternatives for three alignment options, various tunnel types and different station combinations for the subway. This marks another significant milestone, moving the project ahead to the next stage of preliminary engineering and design.

Smart infrastructure projects like the YNSE, create assets that will support York Region's long-term economic growth. This project will bring new jobs, build a stronger economy, shape communities, and support a sustainable future.

York Region's growth will continue in the decades ahead. Critical projects like the YNSE are planned to ensure our infrastructure is "future-ready" and can sustain the planned population and job growth.

for your safety

With the rapidway in service along Yonge Street, it's important to stay alert and follow traffic rules, signs, and signals.

businesses are open on Yonge

Your local businesses on Yonge Street are open and offer a variety of products and services to help you find just what you're looking for. Your support is appreciated, so continue to connect, shop + eat local.

thank you message

Through all the planning, design and construction, there's something special about knowing you've contributed to the future growth and prosperity of your community. This past year, businesses and residents have experienced unprecedented and changing times.

We sincerely thank you, for your patience, understanding and valuable feedback during this time, and throughout the Yonge rapidway construction. We now have a new Yonge Street that will serve those who live, visit and work in the area for generations to come.

your new contacts

Your new contacts, should you require assistance: