At long last a big highway extension in our region is nearly finished.
Work crews are putting the finishing touches on the expansion of the 404. They are grading and installing signs and fences and people who live north of Newmarket can't wait to get on the newest part of thehighway.
Said one local motorist.
“It's easier for us because then we don't have to travel down to Newmarket to get on the highway, we can just take it.”
Traffic lights and crosswalk buttons are still covered. Cement barriers still block the on and off ramps but it won't be long before drivers can use the 404 all the way up to Ravenshoe Road south of Keswick.
The total cost of the 13-kilometre expansion is $99-million.
Work on the expansion began in 2010 but there have been delays. The project is almost two years behind schedule. The M-T-O says it will be open sometime this fall.
The Ministry of Transportation says poor soil under the road was an issue and so was the relocation of utility poles
There are three new interchanges, four bridges, seven large drainage culverts and wildlife crossings, ten new storm water management pools and three new carpool lots.
Georgina’s mayor Rob Grossi is excited, “13 kilometres is 1-million miles in our estimation.”
Grossi thinks it will help bring new people and businesses to the area.
“As far as the economy our business park and the potential for local jobs it's everything.”
People who live here say they have noticed property values going up as well.
“I've been here, lived here about 15 years now and I'm hoping it's going to be soon and you see the value of the property going up, as much as doubled since I bought, says Judith Taggart.
Bev Krystal says she hopes the 404 doesn't stop at Ravenshoe.
“Yeah, it should go out maybe as far as Sutton.”
