VAUGHAN, October 1, 2012 – Kiewit-Ellis Don has been awarded the contract to design and build the York Viva Bus Rapid Transit rapidways along Highway 7 West in Vaughan, a project that will create thousands of jobs.
The project involves widening the highway to accommodate a 3.5-kilometre extension of the Highway 7 West rapidway from Interchange Way/Edgeley Boulevard to just east of Keele Street at Bowes Road, and will also include three new vivastations. The new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre vivastation will connect the rapidway with the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension and an inter-regional bus terminal. Construction is expected to begin in 2013, and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2015 — in time for the completion of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension.
“This is a significant project that will benefit the local economy for generations, as the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre continues to take shape,” said Steven Del Duca, MPP for Vaughan. “Whether you live, work or visit Vaughan, congestion will be reduced and commuters will have a better means to get around with this improved rapid transit.”
“We’ve taken another important step in building a modern rapid transit system for residents and commuters across York Region,” said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation. “The McGuinty government’s unprecedented public transit investments continue to make taking transit a better choice for commuters, reducing congestion on our roads and contributing to a better quality of life for Ontario families.”
“This transformative transit project in York Region is another example of how important transportation projects identified in Metrolinx’s regional transportation plan – The Big Move – are progressing in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area,” said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “Metrolinx’s investment in projects like these reaffirms our commitment to reducing traffic congestion, connecting key travel centres in the region and keeping people moving.”
“Today’s announcement marks another milestone in the continuing progress of York Region’s rapid transit network,” said Bill Fisch, York Region Chairman and CEO. “Once complete, the Highway 7 rapidway will connect people to places within the Region and beyond, and help manage future growth as York Region continues to be the fastest-growing region in the Greater Toronto Area.”
As part of York Region’s rapid transit plan, dedicated rapidways will connect people to key urban centres and other modes of transit, including subway and GO Transit. The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre area will be a key point for transferring between modes of transit, and will influence significant residential, business, entertainment and cultural developments over time.
The York Viva Bus Rapid Transit project is being implemented by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario working to transform regional transit expansion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. It is one component of Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation Plan, The Big Move.
As part of The Big Move, York Region’s vivaNext bus rapid transit plan also supports the vision set out in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, a cornerstone of Ontario’s Places to Grow initiative. This growth plan aims to manage growth in ways that sustain a robust economy, strong communities and a healthy environment. For more information about the vivaNext plan and to sign up for specific project updates, please visit www.vivanext.com.
Contacts:
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Bob Nichols |
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David Salter |
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Dale Albers |
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Malon Edwards |