The Ontario government has officially set the wheels in motion for Highway 413, awarding the first two major contracts to begin construction on the long-debated project. This marks a critical milestone in the province’s aggressive plan to tackle the crippling gridlock that plagues the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Moreover, positioned as a vital new artery, the highway will connect the rapidly growing regions of York, Peel, and Halton. Consequently, the government promises that the new route will slash daily commute times by up to 30 minutes per trip, offering much-needed relief to frustrated drivers.
A Plan for Economic Growth and Mobility
Premier Doug Ford has championed Highway 413 as a cornerstone of his government’s economic strategy. “Highway 413 is at the centre of our plan to get drivers in the GTA and across Ontario out of gridlock, and we’re getting it done,” Ford stated, emphasizing the project’s role in stimulating the economy amidst global uncertainty. The province projects that the construction will support over 6,000 jobs annually and inject more than $1 billion into Ontario’s yearly GDP. Furthermore, the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the highway is a direct assault on traffic congestion that costs the province an estimated $56 billion a year in lost productivity.
Ontario Line’s Don Valley Crossing Bridge Anticipated to Join Iconic Toronto Skyline View
Shovels in the Ground: The Route Takes Shape
With the contracts now awarded, initial construction activities are beginning to unfold. The first signs of work are appearing in Caledon, where crews are resurfacing Highway 10 to prepare for a new bridge that will span the future Highway 413. Simultaneously, upgrades will commence at the sprawling Highway 401/407 interchange, which will serve as the western starting point of the new corridor. Once complete, the multi-lane highway will stretch from this interchange near Mississauga and Milton, arching north and east before connecting with Highway 400 in Vaughan, and will also feature crucial extensions to Highways 410 and 427.
The “GTA West Corridor”
Beyond the immediate construction news, the story of Highway 413, often called the “GTA West Corridor”, is complex. The proposed route is a 59-kilometre, four-to-six-lane highway that will include 11 interchanges at major crossroads. The project has been a source of significant public debate for years, particularly due to its path. Critics have raised serious environmental concerns as the highway’s proposed route cuts through a portion of Ontario’s protected Greenbelt, crossing nearly 85 waterways. The project was previously scrapped by the former Liberal government in 2018 before being revived by the current administration. This makes this groundbreaking a pivotal, and for many, a controversial, moment in the region’s history.
Yet another interesting project taking place in Ontario is the Don Valley Crossing Bridge that will be a signature piece of infrastructure in Toronto’s transportation network. In addition, the mega infrastructure project commenced construction in 2024 as part of the Ontario Line subway. When finished, it will cross the Don Valley, linking the Crosstown LRT in the north with Exhibition Place in the south.
Ontario Highway 413 Factsheet
Contracts awarded: Ontario has awarded the first two construction contracts for Highway 413
Construction starting imminently: Premier Ford said work will begin “within the next few days.”
Contract scope: One contract goes to resurface Highway 10 in Caledon for a new bridge; the other upgrades the Highway 401/407 interchange
Route overview: The 52 km highway will link Milton/Halton area to Vaughan, connecting with Highway 400
Regions served: It will serve the York, Peel, and Halton regions of the Greater Toronto Area
Congestion relief: The government says it will shorten commute times by up to 30 minutes per trip
Economic boost: Projected to support over 6,000 jobs per year
GDP impact: Expected to contribute more than $1 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP
Tackling gridlock: Positioned as key to combating congestion that costs Ontario up to $56 billion annually
Environmental controversies: Critics warn it will cut through protected Greenbelt farmland, wetlands, and affect endangered species
Resumed after pause: The project was revived after being shelved in 2018, clearing federal environmental assessment delays in 2024, and fast-tracked by legislation (Bill 212) in November 2024
No timeline or cost details yet: Officials have not provided a completion date or total cost estimate.
