Funding deal reached for 5th Line/ Hwy 400 interchange project

New Tecumseth Free Press Online

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been reached between Simcoe County and the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury that will split the $37 million local share of the estimated $54 million cost to build a new interchange at Highway 400 at the 5th Line. The provincial and federal governments are contributing $8.5 million each.

The County’s portion will be funded from development charges reserves, which means no impact to the tax levy.

According to provisions of the MOU, the work includes the removal and replacement of the existing Line 5 underpass structure including interchange ramps, re-alignment of the North Schomberg River, re-alignment of Coffey Road and Sideroad 5 and improvements to Line 5 will be undertaken by the Town.

The new interchange is a key component of BWG’s 2006 Transportation Master Plan which identified deficiencies in its existing road capacity to accommodate traffic from the projected population growth and future employment development in the Town. Once completed, the 5th Line interchange will add a new access point onto 400 between Hwys 88 and 9.

“The project is currently proceeding to near completion of the detail design, land requirements are being addressed by the Town and it is expected the project will be tendered for construction within the next few months,” according to a report to County council. “Construction is expected to take two seasons to complete with the new interchange opening in 2017. Once the construction contract is complete and written approval from the Ministry is obtained, future maintenance of the interchange shall be the responsibility of the Province.”