Ontario is improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in Durham region, with the next phase of Highway 407 from Harmony Road to Taunton Road in Clarington now open.

The first phase of the Highway 407 extension, which opened last year and included a new Highway 412, is already seeing approximately 40,000 vehicles per day, improving travel times across this growing region. The new addition of 9.6 kilometres to Highway 407, including two new interchanges, will allow even more commuters and families travel across the region faster.

The final phase, scheduled to open by 2020, will connect Highway 407 to Highway 35/115 and includes Highway 418, which will provide another north/south connection from Highway 407 to Highway 401.

Toll rates for Highways 407 and 412 are lower than tolls on Highway 407 ETR. The province’s rates are, on average, approximately 15 per cent lower during off-peak periods, and approximately 30 per cent lower during peak periods, as compared to Highway 407 ETR.

Building new highways to get traffic moving is part of Ontario’s plan to create fairness and opportunity during this period of rapid economic change. The plan includes a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25 through the biggest expansion of medicare in a generation.

QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario will use the revenue from the tolls on Highways 407, 412 and 418 to help fund a variety of programs and services, including new infrastructure and transit projects.
  • Motorists will only pay fees once for the use of Highways 407, 412, and/or 407 ETR. This includes transponder leases, monthly account charges, and video toll charges.
  • Motorists can continue to use one transponder and receive one invoice on the privately operated Highway 407 ETR, and on Ontario’s Highways 407 and 412, making the tolling process straightforward and seamless.
  • Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province’s history. To learn more about what’s happening in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

About the Author

Bryen writes about local Durham community news, including regional events, municipality updates, entertainment, lifestyle, and the great outdoors. Email him directly if you want your business profiled or know a community member that deserves recognition - bryen@thelocalbizmagazine.com