Bathurst Street Improvements

What steps does York Region take before starting a road widening project? 

• Work starts eight to 10 years before construction. Steps include an environmental assessment study with community consultation, road design, property acquisition, utility relocation and permit applications
• Staff coordinate work with community partners - including ministries, local cities and towns, conservation authorities, utility companies and developers 
   

How does York Region choose which roads are widened?
Road improvements are prioritized and approved by York Regional Council in a 10-year plan. Priorities include: 

• The Region’s most congested areas to provide greater capacity and more travel options
• Major employment areas to enhance access to transit and highways
• Connections to major highways and provincial investments like the subway extension 

Watch the video ‘How York Regional roads are chosen for construction’ for more information. 

Will access to businesses be maintained during construction?

• Access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction
• Business supports will be provided as they become available. If you are a business owner in the area and have questions, please contact @email

Why are High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes being installed?

• York Regional Council endorsed implementation of transit/HOV lanes for all projects widening roads from four to six lanes
• HOV lanes move more people through busy corridors in fewer vehicles, reducing emissions and providing incentives for travellers to use greener modes of transportation
• The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario website has guidelines about driving in HOV lanes

Will new trees and shrubs be planted?

• Tree removal was necessary to carry out project improvements including road widening, underground infrastructure upgrades, and new sidewalks and cycling tracks
• Tree work was planned in consultation with a certified arborist. It also complies with York Region’s Street Tree Removal Offsetting Policy, approved by Regional Council in May 2025 and all local bylaws
• Approximately 600 trees, 2,800 shrubs, and 8,500 perennials will be planted as part of the project
• New plantings will occur in boulevards and center medians, with median plantings supported by automated irrigation

Are there road closures associated with this project? 

• There are no planned road closures for this project at this time

Are there any lane reductions associated with this project?

• Four lanes of traffic will remain open during peak travel periods
• During off-peak hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction as required for construction activities
• Temporary narrow lanes may also be implemented to accommodate construction work

Will there be any work at night?

• Night work may be required to facilitate paving the roadway and pavement markings
• York Region will provide advance notice whenever possible 

Can pedestrians still use the road during construction?

• All hard surface pathways will have a detour or alternate path during any removals for pedestrians to use

How are residents impacted by the project being informed?

• To help travellers plan ahead during road construction, we install advance signage, post messages on social media and our website, and distribute notices
• Travellers are encouraged to use traffic and navigation tools. York Region provides real-time traffic and road information in open data, used by many apps
• Subscribe to receive project updates sent directly to your email
• Find us on social media: @YorkRegionGovt