Transportation improvements prepare York Region to meet the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users today and into the future. York Region will be removing and replacing asphalt road surface, road crossing, driveway culverts and cleaning roadside ditches and replacing curbs.

Project area map
map of construction area

Improvements include:

  • Removing and replacing asphalt road surface
    • Traces of asbestos, used in asphalt mixes throughout the 1970s and early 1980s to improve performance, are present in the current asphalt on York Durham Line from Main Street to 19th Avenue
    • While the risk of asbestos exposure is low, York Region’s contractor will take precautionary measures during asphalt removal
  • Replacing road crossing and driveway culverts that allow water to pass freely under the road and driveways
  • Cleaning roadside ditches
  • Replacing curbs

Impacts to travellers throughout the project: 

  • Work will occur Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Road closures

  • Construction will begin on York Durham Line at Bethesda Sideroad and move south in phases
  • Closures are for three consecutive weeks for each phase and will happen in sequential order from Phase 1 to Phase 8, except for Phase 7, which will remain open at all times
    • Phase 1, York Durham Line from Main Street to Bethesda Sideroad - Complete
    • Phase 2, 19th Avenue to Main Street - Complete
    • Phase 3, Elgin Mills Road East to north of 19th Avenue - Complete
    • Phase 4, Major Mackenzie Drive to Elgin Mills Road East - Complete
    • Phase 5, 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive - Complete
    • Phase 6, Highway 7 to 16th Avenue, will be closed at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 to Saturday, September 13th at 7 p.m.
    • Phase 7, Highway 7 to Highway 407, no road closure
    • Phase 8, 14th Avenue to Highway 407, mid-November 2025
  • During the road closures, only local traffic is permitted and property owners will continue to have access to driveways, other travellers will be directed to detour routes via signage
  • Each road closure will be communicated on this webpage under the Construction Update heading below and on York Region’s social media channels at least one week prior to commencing
  • Residents must have their garbage to the curb by 7 a.m. on their designated collection day as crews will be collecting before the road is closed

Construction update:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this work needed?

Partial depth removal and replacement of the current asphalt as well as repairing or replacing culverts and ditches, ensures the road remains in good condition and extends the road’s life before major reconstruction is needed.

Why does the road need to be closed?

Due to the width of York Durham Line, it is not possible to accommodate the construction equipment needed as well as a lane of traffic while work is being completed. To ensure the safety of all road users and the construction crews, the road must be temporarily closed during construction.

Will the entire stretch of road be closed at the same time?

No. York Region is taking a phased approach to the road closures to minimize traffic disruption and expediate project completion.

Construction will begin on York Durham Line at Bethesda Sideroad and move south to 14th Avenue in phases.

Road closures are for three consecutive weeks for each phase and will happen in sequential order from Phase 1 to Phase 8, except for Phase 7, which will remain open at all times.

 Will I still have access to my home/business during the road closure?

Yes, local traffic is permitted during the road closures and access to driveways will be maintained. Residents are reminded to obey all work zone signs in active work sites.

Will my garbage still be collected curbside during construction?

Yes, residents should have their garbage and recycling to the curb before 7 a.m. on their regular collection day. Garbage collection vehicles will be permitted to collect before construction begins at 7 a.m.

Why is there asbestos in the asphalt?

Small amounts of asbestos was commonly used in asphalt mixes throughout the 1970s and early 1980s to improve its performance. 

Is every road tested for asbestos before construction?

While every road is reviewed to see if it may contain asbestos, not every road needs to be tested prior to construction. In general, during the design phase York Region reviews historic construction records to confirm whether asbestos may be present or not. If the presence of asbestos cannot be ruled out, testing is undertaken.

What can I expect to see and hear during construction?

Equipment operators may be wearing additional personal protective equipment while removing asphalt, such as respirators and disposable overalls. Construction vehicles and signage may advise of the presence of asbestos.

What is the risk of exposure for workers and bystanders?

As asbestos is bound within the pavement, it does not pose a risk to the public and can be left in place until removal and replacement is needed, based on the condition of the road.

Construction activity that disturbs the asbestos, such as asphalt removal, may cause some particles to become airborne. During these activities, the risk of exposure to asbestos for bystanders is low. To minimize the risk to workers, operators running the removal equipment take the following precautions:

  • Use dust collecting devices with HEPA filters on equipment, to prevent dust from becoming airborne
  • Wet the asphalt pavement prior to removal and during removal activities to suppress the dust
  • Provide personal protective equipment, such as disposable coveralls and respirators, to equipment operators
  • Transport and dispose of asphalt containing asbestos to a site licensed for the acceptance and disposal of asbestos waste  

General Inquiries
York Region, Public Works
Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000
TTY: 1-866-512-6228
Email: @email
After hours emergency: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75200