Yonge Street Davis Drive Green Lane

The Future of Yonge Street: 2025

Updated August 12, 2022

York Region cares about our communities and we are committed to delivering transportation improvements safely, while minimizing disruptions as best as possible. We’re building, reconstructing and repairing Regional roads for all travellers within our communities.

Photo of Proposed Yonge Street north at Upper Canada Mall Entrance

We understand that continued construction and the traffic delays caused by this work is frustrating for residents living in this area. We analyze and review all traveller data for each project, to determine the best possible solutions to ease congestion and traffic delays during construction.

To meet the demands of all travellers in this area, York Region is improving Yonge Street from Davis Drive to Green Lane, in the Towns of Newmarket and East Gwillimbury. This multi-year project will support growth along this busy corridor while creating an efficient, safe and attractive roadway for travellers - whether driving, walking, cycling or taking transit.

Graphic map of Yonge Street from Davis Drive to Green Lane

Work began in January 2021 and will be completed in stages to help alleviate impacts to all travellers and pedestrians. Access to businesses, as well as four lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout this project.

The Yonge Street improvement project has many benefits to help with future growth and development in the Town of Newmarket and Town of East Gwillimbury, including:

Road widening from four lanes to six lanes, including High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes
Upgrading five traffic-signal controlled intersections for enhanced accessibility, including audible pedestrian signals
Installing new traffic signals at the plaza entrances to Yonge Street at Canadian Tire and the Yonge-Kingston Centre for improved access into businesses
Relocating the traffic signals currently located at the intersection outside of Upper Canada Mall for better alignment of the road network for future growth
Replacing existing sidewalks to wider sidewalks and bicycle paths within the boulevards on each side of Yonge Street
Installing new street lighting using more sustainable LED fixtures that save energy, create better nighttime visibility and make streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
Creating a centre median along Yonge Street to protect for future rapid transit, when needed and when funding becomes available
Streetscaping in the boulevards and centre median with trees, shrubs, and upgraded finishes to help achieve the vision of a vibrant, green and active place in the community

Construction Update

Traveller safety

Safety is the number one priority on all Regional road construction projects. Signage in construction zones is there for the safety of all pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, and to inform people passing through about what is happening. It is extremely important to obey all work zone signs, workers and pavement markings in active work sites. For safety tips and more information about York Region’s Traffic Safety Program visit our traffic safety webpage

Utility Work

Utility relocations continue on the east side of Yonge Street working south from Green Lane.

Enbridge construction on the NE corner of Yonge Street / London Road is expected to start in late May and to be completed within one week.

Utility company logos; hydro one, newmarket hydro, enbridge, bell, rogers, yorknet and envi

Upcoming work and impacts to travellers

East side of Yonge Street from north of Kingston Road to Bristol Road closed
Intermittent temporary road crossing and sidewalk closures on the east side of Yonge Street as work proceeds south from Kingston Road

Construction Start

Road construction is expected to start in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are these improvements taking place?

To accommodate future growth, the growing population and increase in travellers in the area
- Currently, over 43,000 vehicles per day travel on Yonge Street from Davis Drive to Green Lane
- The number of vehicles is expected to increase to more than 65,000 per day when the project is completed in 2025
- Pedestrian travel on Yonge Street north of Davis Drive during peak hours is anticipated to grow by approximately 50% in 2031 and by almost 400% by 2041
These improvements will alleviate traffic and provide a safe, more reliable roadway that is inclusive for all users

What is the project timeline?

Utility relocation work began in January 2021 and will continue until spring 2023
The current project schedule identifies road construction beginning in fall 2021
Work will be completed in stages to help alleviate impacts to travellers and pedestrians
York Region engaged third-party consultant, Colliers Project Leaders, to independently assess opportunities to reduce impacts of construction on the community. They obtained feedback from stakeholders including, Town of Newmarket, Town of East Gwillimbury, utility companies, contractors, businesses, residents and Council members. For more information, read the Colliers Report Executive Summary
York Region will provide advance notice prior to the start of construction activities

Yonge Street construction timeline diagram with we are here arrow

Graphic elevation diagram of the future state of Yonge Street

Why will utility relocation take several years?

Approximately 200 hydro poles, utility pedestals and manholes have to be removed, transferred and installed covering a distance, if laid out end to end, of over 20,000 metres within the project limits. For each of the seven utility companies, this work can take several years to complete, if carried out individually and not working simultaneously
Due to the amount of utility companies and the work involved, the seven companies cannot safely complete the utility work at the same time
There are also utilities that are very sensitive and can affect a lot of people, if the work is not executed properly. Many of the utility lines in the area connects York Region to other cities/towns across Ontario
This work is being completed cautiously to ensure residents and business owners always have power, gas and internet during this work and beyond

Are the ponds near Upper Canada Mall going to be affected?

Both ponds are not critical for storm water management and are ornamental only
We are reconstructing and relocating the entrance into Upper Canada Mall which will require filling part of the pond in that area. This decision was determined by York Region and Upper Canada Mall

Is a rapid transit facility being installed as part of this project?

A rapid transit facility is not being constructed. A centre median is being built along Yonge Street. This will allow for a future rapid transit facility, when the time is right, population demands it, and when the population, traveller and transit ridership is there

Why is a centre median being installed?

A centre median is being installed as part of this work to eliminate the need to go back and build the necessary infrastructure, if there is demand in the future, for dedicated rapid transit facilities. A centre median will provide more spaces for planting and eliminate mid-block left turns which keeps traffic moving and can be a contributing factor in collisions

Why are the bicycle lanes being installed in the boulevard and not on the roadway?

The original Environmental Assessment design had bicycle lanes on the roadway
After consulting with York Region’s Sustainable Mobility team and the Town of Newmarket and
Town of East Gwillimbury, it was recommended the bicycle lanes be installed within the boulevard for a more functional, inclusive streetscape design
The design was revised based on the recommendations as this was in the best interest of the overall project

How does this project compare to the work that took place on Davis Drive?

The differences between the Davis Drive project and the project on Yonge Street include:
- Davis Drive is a much narrower roadway, which increased the construction impact to travellers on the road due to lane closures and lane width reductions during construction
- Part of the project scope on Davis Drive and Yonge Street south, included the installation of a centre median rapid transit facility. The Yonge Street from Davis Drive to Green Lane project is not constructing a rapid transit facility
- 30,210 vehicles per day travel on Davis Drive. 43,000 vehicles per day travel on Yonge Street

What are the impacts to traffic based on the current schedule?

Four lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the construction period. Lane reductions may be required during the off-peak hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for construction

Will work be happening at night?

Night work may be considered with lane reductions to expedite the project while minimalizing traveller delays. Advanced notice will be provided if it’s determined to be beneficial to efficiently progress the work
Night work may be considered throughout construction for asphalt removal, paving and line painting work. This work is better performed at night and will minimize delays to traffic

Will sidewalks be maintained?

Sidewalks will be maintained throughout construction for pedestrian use
During utility work, sidewalks may be temporarily relocated or closed to facilitate work. Pedestrians are to follow the directional signs to use an open sidewalk and to not use the roadway

How are you trying to minimize travel impacts?

York Region reviews the corridor of each project to determine how to manage traffic delays during construction
York Region has hired a third-party consultant to obtain feedback about how to accelerate the project, while minimizing impacts to travellers
The stakeholders involved include: Town of Newmarket, Town of East Gwillimbury, utility companies, contractors, businesses, residents and Council members

Will traffic signal timing be adjusted to improve traffic flow?

York Region actively monitors traffic signal timing through staff on-site during construction and remotely from the Roads and Traffic Operations Centre
While it is everyone’s desire that they get the maximum green time so that they can proceed through an intersection as soon as possible, adjusting traffic signal timing is a matter of balancing supply (green time on one road) and demand (delay on the crossing road)
Improving traffic flow on any road by providing more time green time for better progression, means taking away time from the road in the conflicting direction
The ability to provide more green time is also limited by the need to provide time for pedestrian crossings

Is access to businesses going to be maintained?

Yes. 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

How much work goes into preparing road projects for construction?

It takes eight to ten years to deliver major road projects
An environmental assessment study, road design, property acquisition, utility relocation and permits must be completed before construction can begin
Coordinating work with our partners, including ministries, local cities and towns, conservation authorities, utility companies and developers is important to ensure disruption to travellers and the community is minimized

How can a construction project get delayed?

Weather is a large factor in delaying a construction project
- To conduct paving work, weather conditions must be ideal, the surface must be dry and above a specified temperature
Unknown factors
- During excavation, contaminated soil could be uncovered and would need to be disposed of at an approved and registered waste disposal site, capable of receiving hazardous and waste material, as authorized under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act
- COVID-19 and Public Health guidelines

How is COVID-19 affecting construction projects?

Construction projects that support the operations of, or provide new capacity in, municipal infrastructure continue to be deemed essential
Increased sanitation and physical distancing are being practiced on all Regional construction sites. All contractors are following the Provincial government’s guidance regarding construction workers health and safety during COVID-19
Delays to construction may be affected by COVID-19 and Public Health guidelines. York Region will provide advanced notice whenever possible

What are the safety measures in place and how is safety considered?

York Region conducts routine inspections of all its structures and determines the need for repair to ensure a reliable and safe travel for all users
When construction projects are being planned and implemented, residents, businesses, travellers and the environment are all taken into consideration
During the design phase of a construction project, the Region ensures we are meeting Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements and the needs of all users within our transportation network
York Region reviews hundreds of intersections each year and studies are completed to consider traffic and pedestrian volumes, future development, delay and collision history
A Traffic Safety Report is produced each year to provide an understanding of road safety trends on Regional roads. This report supports the planning and execution of coordinated law enforcement, road safety improvements and public education campaigns for travellers in York Region. Reports can be viewed here
Signage is installed around a construction area to let travellers know what is going on and how to travel safely through the work zone

Safety tips for motorists travelling through construction zones

Many construction workers are injured or killed each year when working on roads. When driving through construction zones motorists must:
- Slow down early when approaching construction zones
- Be patient and obey signs and signal persons
- Merge well in advance when lanes are being reduced
- Avoid lane changes, give yourself extra space following and be ready to stop
- Do not speed up quickly when leaving construction zones
- Do not pass construction vehicles when their amber lights are flashing
- Plan ahead and expect delays
Visit our Traffic Safety Program page for more safety tips

Safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists through construction zones

It is very important to obey ALL work zone signs, workers and pavement markings
Watch where you are going. Your primary responsibility is going through the work zone as safely as you can
Orange Work Zone Signs – these signs communicate to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists what is going on and how to travel safely through the work zone. They can also indicate that a sidewalk is closed and that a detour must be taken
Pavement Markings –painted or taped lines on the pavement separate car travel lanes and can also indicate pedestrian and cyclist paths
During construction some sidewalks and crossings at intersections may be closed. Pedestrians may be required to move to the other side of the road or to a temporary pedestrian walkway
Use designated pedestrian crosswalks and traffic lights to cross the street before reaching a construction zone and DO NOT cross in the middle of the road
Avoid standing in close proximity to any construction machinery and open excavations while construction activities are taking place
Please DO NOT walk on the roadway beside the barriers
Please be alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling near construction areas
Visit our Traffic Safety Program page for more safety tips