Study
Background
Highway 427 was built in the late 1960s to link the Queen Elizabeth
Way and Highway 401 as well as to support development in the corridor.
The highway has operated reasonably well since that time, and continues
to play a vital role in the Toronto area transportation system.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is currently undertaking a thorough update of Highway 427, aimed at bringing the pavement structure, bridges, guiderails, lighting, traffic management system, and interchanges up to date. The need to do so reflects the heavy demands on the highway, some safety concerns, operational problems (congestion) in certain areas, and the requirement to rehabilitate driving surfaces and structures after close to 40 years of daily use.
The timing of this work coincides with growing attention to the use of the Toronto area highway system by buses and carpools. Proposals have been made to implement transit priority measures on Highway 427, and Highway 427 has also been suggested for High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.
The
MTO has therefore taken this unique opportunity to review Highway
427
for operational improvements, safety-related improvements, transit provisions,
and physical changes. The improvements identified and approved
through
the Environmental Assessment process, may be incorporated in the
rehabilitation work. This will reduce cost, minimize traffic disruption
during construction, avoid reconstruction impact, and result in
an improved
corridor for users and the surrounding community.
Environmental Assessment Process
This study has followed the approved environmental planning process
for Group “B” projects under the Class Environmental
Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000),
with the opportunity
for public input held throughout the study. Two sets of Public Information
Centres were held during the study to present findings and receive
public input. The study is near completion and the Transportation
Environmental Study Report (TESR) is now available
for the 30-day
public review period.
Please refer to the Public Involvement page for additional information, including the TESR review locations.
Study
Area
