A new crossing brings Markham and Richmond Hill closer

As designer and contract administrator for the project, we worked alongside York Region, the City of Markham and the City of Richmond Hill to deliver a new roadway and bridge crossing that improves east-west connectivity while supporting active transportation and environmental stewardship.

The completed infrastructure connects Orlando Avenue in Richmond Hill with Markland Street in Markham, improving access between growing communities and employment areas.

"As communities across York Region continue to grow, transportation infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting people to jobs, services and opportunities," said Benjamin Loucks Business Group Leader, Highways, Roads, and Bridges at GHD. "This project creates a new link across Highway 404 that will support mobility and community growth for years to come."

For residents and businesses on either side of Highway 404, travel options have historically been limited to existing arterial road crossings.

The new four-lane crossing provides an additional route across the highway and improves access between Leslie Street in Richmond Hill and Woodbine Avenue in Markham. The project forms part of a broader vision to improve how people move throughout York Region while supporting future growth.

Midblock 404 included constructing a bridge over Highway 404 and a separate bridge spanning the Rouge River. The work also extended Cachet Woods Court to connect with the new crossing and created new opportunities for active transportation through sidewalks and multi-use pathways.

Landscape improvements have enhanced the surrounding corridor and created a more welcoming environment for people walking, cycling and travelling through the area.

Environmental enhancements included planting native trees and plants, improving stormwater quality, and stabilizing and naturalizing sections of the Rouge River corridor.

By integrating transportation and environmental objectives into a single project, the crossing delivers benefits that extend beyond mobility improvements.

Today, residents, businesses and visitors have a new connection across Highway 404. In the years ahead, that connection will help support more efficient travel, improved access to employment areas and stronger links between neighbouring communities.

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.