Construction underway to support future Viva rapidway along Enterprise Boulevard in Town of Markham
NEWMARKET — The shovels are in the ground marking the early stages of vivaNext, the plan that will deliver the next generation of rapid transit to York Region and save people time.
Today, over 400 metres of storm sewer lines, including manholes and catch basins, are being installed along Enterprise Boulevard in the Town of Markham. This $500,000 project east of Warden Avenue is the initial stage in building a Viva rapidway — dedicated lanes that will take Viva out of congested traffic. Construction will take place over the next several weeks, but traffic impact in the area will be minimal as most work will occur north of the existing traffic lanes.
The project is part of Metrolinx’s plan to improve and integrate public transit for people in York Region and across the GTA.
“The McGuinty government has committed $52 million to make this phase of VivaNext a reality,” said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley. “The project is part of Metrolinx’s plan to improve and integrate public transit for people in York Region and across the GTA.”
Viva Phase 1 rapid transit runs today in mixed traffic in four key corridors. VivaNext, the next generation of
Viva, will put the rapid into rapid transit. VivaNext includes the construction of 70 kilometres of surface rapid transit in these same corridors, integrated with the extension of the Yonge and Spadina subway lines north to the Vaughan Corporate Centre and Richmond Hill Centre. VivaNext will help connect communities, save people time and manage growth.
“The progress we are seeing today is modest, but historic,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “This marks the beginning of construction of the next stage of the Viva rapid transit system. We are building a modern transit system to ensure we keep pace with the tremendous growth in York Region and preserve the quality of
life people have come to expect.”
“The Town of Markham is focused on putting intensification where rapid transit is proposed,” said Town of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Markham Centre reflects our early adoption of new urbanism principles, and developing transit links to move people from cars into efficient rapid transit, particularly through the east-west transportation corridor.”
The Viva rapid transit system began operating in September 2005 in four key corridors. Since its launch, overall transit boardings have increased by approximately 57 per cent. It has also been the catalyst for millions of square feet of mixed-use, transit oriented development along the Viva routes.
For more information on vivaNext and York Region Rapid Transit, please visit www.vivanext.com
For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca
Media Contact: Dale Albers, Chief Communications Officer, York Region Rapid Transit
Phone: 905 886-6767, ext. 2250 or Cell: 416 206-3716
Email: Dale.Albers@york.ca