On Feb. 5 Council there is a draft resolution requesting that the design and construction of the Highway 400-404 link be expedited. When we received a copy of a similar resolution from another municipality earlier I indicated that I would not be supporting it. My reason: over last couple years I have lobbied against the GTA West Corridor (Hwy 413). I cannot now call for this link which will be 16 kilometers of pavement. At a very macro level I understand the need; but, I do not understand the issues, the consequences of building it.
I can appreciate the challenge and the various viewpoints on the question of a 400–404 link.
I do know from a transportation point of view there is a critical need for an alternate transportation route to Yonge Street (Hwy 11) going from Newmarket to Bradford. Other than Hwy 400 to the west, and Yonge Street there is no other route.
I remember once traveling south from Barrie when Hwy 400 was closed during major snowsqualls and took about four hours to get to King City.
I understand the Yonge Street corridor from Newmarket to Bradford is likely at or over capacity and we know there is significant more development planned in Queensville and north in Innisfil.
Something needs to be done, so that infrastructure supports the planning, or we need to change the planning dramatically.
Like you, I don’t know all the sensitive environmental issues and other factors.
This is one for some wise problem solving, and it needs to happen now.