The Ontario government announced the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act today, aimed at accelerating the construction of critical highways and tackling gridlock across the province. If passed, the new legislation will fast-track the development of Highway 413 and other key transportation projects, potentially saving drivers up to $72 million this decade.
The proposed Highway 413 Act will implement a new environmental assessment process that prioritizes speed while minimizing environmental impacts. This would apply to early works near existing infrastructure, expediting the start of construction. Additionally, the legislation includes the extension of Highways 410 and 427.
“With Ontario facing the worst travel times in North America, it’s time to act,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we are working to save drivers time and money by building crucial highways like Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.”
Key components of the legislation include freezing fees for knowledge and road tests, making the Tow Zone Pilot a permanent program to provide faster towing services, and ensuring municipalities require provincial approval before implementing bike lanes that reduce traffic lanes.
The Ontario government is also consulting with municipalities on creating a pothole prevention and repair fund for the 2025 construction season and plans to raise the speed limit to 110 km/h on select 400-series highways.
The legislation designates Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the Garden City Skyway bridge as priority projects under the new Building Highways Faster Act and grants the province the authority to prioritize other highway projects to reduce gridlock and improve travel times for drivers.