Phase III MAIN STREET MARKHAM SOUTH

The reconstruction of Main Street Markham South – between Highway 407 and Highway 7 (known locally as the “Vinegar Hill Dip”) – began July 1, 2014 and is expected to be completed by mid-2015. It is the third phase of the Major City Project, Main Street Markham Reconstruction.

This phase of reconstruction will include widening the road, and providing improvements and upgrades to existing sewers and water mains. The bridge over the Rouge River will also be removed and reconstructed.

The bridge, which was originally built in 1946 and underwent a major rehabilitation in 1981, now must be replaced. The majority of the bridge reconstruction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2014, so the roadway can be re-opened to through traffic.

The new road will have three lanes – two southbound and one northbound. There will also be a multi-use pathway on the east side of the road. Heritage-style streetscape features, including decorative streetlights and stone textured walls, have been included in the overall plan to tie into the new Main Street Markham North.

We are doing everything possible to minimize the impact of this road closure on local residents and appreciate the patience and understanding of all those affected.

What's New

August 14, 2015
The road is now fully open with two lanes southbound and one lane northbound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Main Street Markham south only three lanes wide?
A four lane cross-section at the intersection of Highway 7 and Main Street Markham was evaluated during the extensive three-year consultation process that began in 2008. However, it was determined that a three lane cross-section was the best option due to property, environmental, and heritage constraints.

Did the City consider implementing reversible lanes on Main Street Markham south?
Reversible lanes (lanes designated for traffic movement one-way during part of the day and in the opposite direction during another part of the day) were investigated during the Environmental Assessment Phase and were not endorsed by stakeholders or the City.

Markham staff will monitor traffic volumes once construction is completed and if it is determined that congestion is an ongoing issue, implementation of reversible lanes will be considered.

Why is there no pedestrian walkway on the west side of the Main Street Markham south?
The City was unable to include a continuous pedestrian walkway on the west side of the street, from Highway 7 to Highway 407, because doing so would have negatively impacted the existing natural area and homes surrounding Main Street Markham.

Project Updates

January 9, 2015

Week of December 2, 2014
The project is on schedule and the road is expected to re-open to traffic by December 31, 2014. Crews continue to work on the underside of the bridge as well as to complete concrete form work. Paving of the road has begun. Surface work including landscaping will be completed in 2015.

Week of November 24, 2014
The project remains on schedule and is not yet ready for vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Crews are working on the underside of the bridge and completing concrete form work.

Week of October 23, 2014
The bridge is now taking form. All girders have been installed and work has begun on installing the bridge deck. The majority of the underground services have been installed - watermains, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers. Curb installation has begun on the roadway south of the bridge. Weather permitting, traffic signals at James Scott and lighting will be installed over the next month in preparation for our winter shutdown.

Week of August 25, 2014
The majority of the work to remove the old structures has been completed and the new bridge is under construction. Abutments and footings have already been installed. Crews are also in the process of installing the underground facilities (storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and watermains).

Week of August 7, 2014

Week of July 14, 2014

All of the asphalt and concrete have now been removed from the roadway.

Environmental protection measures have been put in place and crews are now preparing for the demolition and removal of the centre span of the bridge. Removal will be the main focus of the work for the next month.

Week of July 7, 2014

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mr. Dan Foong, P.Eng., Capital Works Engineer
Phone: 905.477.7000, extension 4055
Fax: 905.479.7773
E-mail: dfoong@markham.ca