BRAMPTON, Ont. — Construction to extend Highway 410 from Sandalwood Parkway to Mayfield Road in Brampton began this week with an official groundbreaking ceremony.

The extension will add nine kilometres to Highway 410 from Bovaird Drive in Brampton to Highway 10 in Caledon. The province has invested more than $40 million to date on the new highway and expects to dole out $110 million in total during the next several years to complete the highway.

“The Highway 410 extension will improve highway access for local Brampton residents and support local businesses and families by improving traffic flow and reducing transportation costs. Brampton is one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario and this project is vital for future growth,” said Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell.

The Ministry of Transportation estimates between 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles a day will utilize the highway extension.

“We’re on the side of commuters,” said Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar. “That’s why the McGuinty government is investing in highways and transit across Ontario. We want to help move people and goods faster, create jobs and build a stronger economy.”

This year, the McGuinty government is planning to invest about $1.4 billion in highway improvements through its five-year ReNew Ontario infrastructure investment plan. Some of the planned improvements include: $838 million this year to expand and modernize public transit in the GTA, $670 million in a new subway to Highway 7 in York Region,
$65 million this year to help Mississauga develop its Transitway – a dedicated bus line along Highway 403 and Eglinton Ave., $95 million to Brampton to develop its AcceleRide project, providing new streetcars, buses and routes by delivering $1 billion in gas tax revenues for transit across Ontario.