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Home > Major Projects and Reports > Projects And Studies > Canada Drive-America Avenue Bridge > FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is the City of Vaughan building a bridge between America Avenue and Canada Drive?
 
The City of Vaughan is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, with a population of about 335,000 people, which is forecast to reach 420,000 by 2031. The City must continue to focus its efforts on ensuring an efficient and reliable transportation system that ultimately gets citizens where they need to go in a safe and sustainable way. In 2008, the City of Vaughan undertook an Environmental Assessment (EA) study to identify existing and future transportation issues and opportunities in a study area bounded by Teston Road to the north, Jane Street to the east, Major Mackenzie Drive to the south and Weston Road to the west (known as Block 33), with Highway 400 dividing the overall study area. AECOM was the consultant retained to lead the EA study as well as an extensive public consultation process. In December 2013, Council approved the EA study, which determined the preferred solution to be a bridge built over Highway 400 at America Avenue and Canada Drive. The mid-block bridge connecting the two neighbourhoods was always envisioned as part of the plan for this community area. 
 
What is an Environmental Assessment (EA)?

An EA is a planning and decision-making tool used to predict the environmental effects of proposed initiatives before they are carried out. An EA:
  • identifies potential adverse environmental effects
  • proposes measures to mitigate adverse environmental effects
  • predicts whether there will be significant adverse environmental effects after mitigation measures are implemented includes a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the EA and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures 
What did this Environmental Assessment include?
   
The EA study report provides:
  • a background to the study
  • an overview of the consultation process
  • the need and justification for the study
  • a description of existing conditions
  • the alternative solutions and design concepts
  • a description of the suggested bridge design
  • a summary of anticipated impacts and suggested mitigation measures to implement prior to, during and after construction
Is traffic a concern in this area?
 
In this area, known as Block 33, residents are restricted to using major roads such as Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive to get to either side of Highway 400, which results in longer travel distances and times. This also contributes to more congestion in key signalized intersections along the way. Traffic and development in and around the area will continue to grow into 2021 and beyond and will eventually exceed the capacity of the existing road network.
 
What are the benefits of building the bridge?
 
This bridge will connect Canada Drive and America Avenue and link the two communities on either side of Highway 400. The construction of the bridge is expected to make it easier for people to get to and through the neighbourhood and reduce traffic congestion. The new bridge will shorten travel times and will provide additional pedestrian options for everyone living and working in the area, and it will offer access to enhanced transit systems and bicycle networks. It will also help improve emergency services response times to the community. 
 
Who will be allowed to use the bridge once complete?
 
Similar to all public roadways in the city of Vaughan, the bridge will be accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, road users and all vehicle types (within the bridge load limits).
 
Will the bridge cause an increase in traffic on local streets?

As per the EA study report, America Avenue and Canada Drive are defined as primary roads, which are moderate-capacity roads used to move vehicles/traffic. The posted speed on these roads is 50 kilometres an hour. Primary roads are also intended to serve as the main connecting points between residential areas and the major arterial roads. They are designed to provide connectivity and are expected to carry moderate traffic volumes.
 
Why is this project a priority for the City?
 
The City of Vaughan is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, with a population of about 335,000 people, which is forecast to reach 420,000 by 2031. The City must continue to focus its efforts on ensuring an efficient and reliable transportation system and building communities that are safe and sustainable. On March 19, 2019, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council approved the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. Through this plan, the City will continue to strive to be a city of choice. The plan includes a focus on nine key areas. This bridge aligns with and supports several of these focus areas, including Transportation and Mobility, City Building, and Active, Safe and Diverse Communities.
 
The bridge between America Avenue and Canada Drive contributes to Council’s objective to create fully connected and integrated communities by undertaking initiatives to improve the municipal road network, support the development of transit and increase active transportation through cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
 
Is this a residential area?
 
Block 33 is mainly made up of low-density residential housing and prestige employment land use. There are also five schools, two religious institutions and six community parks.
  
How long will the design and construction of the bridge take?
Construction of the bridge is expected to be complete sometime in 2023. These are estimated timelines and are subject to change; the City is committed to keeping the community informed.
 
Will construction of the bridge be disruptive to the community?
The City of Vaughan is committed to employing mitigation measures to lessen any construction impacts. Some of the proposed mitigation measures to manage any noise that may occur during the construction of the bridge include:
  • complying with noise limits set by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the City’s local noise control by-law
  • using construction equipment that meets the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
  • preventing unnecessary noise and vibration by maintaining equipment in proper working condition, including using non-defective muffler systems, properly securing various construction components and keeping moving parts well lubricated
  • restricting the use of equipment to the minimum necessary to perform the specified work
  • minimizing excessive idling  
Will there be any other disruptions to the community?
The City is committed to lessen any anticipated impacts during and after construction. For example, according to the EA study report, during construction there may be temporary disruptions to traffic on America Avenue, John Deisman Boulevard, Canada Drive and Highway 400. Some of the proposed mitigation measures include notification of any delays or detours well in advance, erecting signage and redirecting heavy equipment travel routes away from residential roads, if possible. The EA study report provides a summary of anticipated impacts and mitigation measures prior to, during and after construction.
 
What will the bridge look like once complete? 
The suggested design of the bridge includes a two-lane road with sidewalks and bicycle lanes on both sides. A landscaping plan will be confirmed with input from the community during the actual design phase. The suggested design also includes a minor system of catch basins and storm pipes to drain into the existing municipal drainage system.

 

Canada Drive-America Avenue Bridge Rendering 

Will there be additional construction/upgrades within the community?

It is proposed to re-grade the intersections at Cityview Boulevard and Canada Drive and John Deisman Boulevard and America Avenue.
   
What will be the speed limit for the bridge?
 
The proposed speed limit for the bridge is 50 kilometres an hour.
 
How much will it cost to construct the bridge?
The construction cost of the bridge is projected to be approximately $10 million. This cost will be further refined during the detailed design process.
  
How can I participate and provide input on landscaping and streetscape design? 
The City of Vaughan is focused on urban growth that reflects the needs and desires of the community and values the opinions of its citizens and stakeholders. The City is committed to working directly with the immediate community on a landscape and streetscape design process. Several feedback channels will be made available to give the public an opportunity to contribute ideas and comments.
 
How can I be notified of project updates and upcoming opportunities to provide input on landscaping and streetscape design?
 
You may email CDAAbridge@vaughan.ca to request to be added to a contact list to receive project updates and notifications of opportunities to provide input.
 
 
 

 Contact Information

 
​​Infrastructure Delivery Department
 
Phone: 905-832-2281
 
Email: CDAAbridge@vaughan.ca

Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 200
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
 

 Related Links

 
  • 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan
  • Canada Drive-America Avenue Bridge
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Project Updates
 

 Additional Resources

 
  • Vaughan Official Plan 2010 (PDF)
  • Environmental Assessment Study Report - Jan. 29, 2013 (PDF)
  • Environmental Assessment Study Report - Nov. 19, 2013 (PDF)
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