Overnight Paving, Daytime Lane Closures as York Region’s Ninth Line Project Begins

• Major roadwork is now underway along Ninth Line between Stouffville’s Main Street and Bloomington Road.
• The project looks to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and drainage in a corridor that includes multiple school sites.
• Work will involve asphalt resurfacing, new traffic signals at Meridian Drive, and upgraded pedestrian features at the Millard intersection.
• Intermittent lane closures and overnight paving will occur, with weekday daytime work also scheduled.
• Construction is expected to continue through late summer 2025.
• Past resurfacing in 2024 prompted resident concerns over access to homes, insufficient notice and communication, and traffic safety.
• York Region has implemented communication protocols and stricter contractor requirements to help mitigate impacts.

Ninth Line is once again a construction zone as York Region begins a multi-month infrastructure project to upgrade the road and two major intersections between Main Street and Bloomington Road.

Scheduled to run through late summer 2025, the work will involve full removal and replacement of the asphalt surface along the busy corridor. In addition to resurfacing, the project includes several upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and stormwater drainage.

New traffic lights will be installed at Meridian Drive, which will help manage flow near the new York Catholic District School Board facility. The intersection at Millard Street is also set to receive upgraded signal equipment and improved accessibility features, including reconstructed crosswalk ramps and tactile and audible indicators to assist individuals with vision impairments.

Temporary signals will be installed as needed, and the road will remain open to through traffic during construction. Several driveway culverts will also be replaced to improve drainage and water runoff management.

Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures. Major work, such as paving, will take place overnight Monday through Friday, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Daytime lane reductions for minor work, including intersection upgrades, are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

Construction is weather dependent and may be rescheduled. The Region has committed to providing notice of changes when possible, and message boards have been placed along Ninth Line to deliver ongoing updates.

This latest round of roadwork follows the Region’s 2024 resurfacing of Ninth Line up to Rupert Avenue. That project sparked resident complaints and social media commentary over intermittent loss of access to homes, poor communication from the Region, congestion, safety, and inadequate signage.

“During the 2024 resurfacing of Ninth Line, between Rupert and Main Street, there was minimal communication from the Region or contractors regarding driveway access,” area resident Brian William told Bullet Point News.

“At one point, our driveway was blocked by a parked dump truck, which was being stored in front of our home while not in use. We were told it couldn’t be immediately moved and had to wait roughly an hour,” he added. “When traffic controllers were present, we had no guidance on safely exiting our driveways without interfering with traffic or endangering workers.”

“Timely communication, at least a day in advance, would have helped avoid unnecessary risks and frustration for both residents and workers,” William suggested. He noted that large construction equipment was also left along the roadside, obstructing northerly sightlines and making it dangerous for residents turning onto Ninth Line.

“Residents can be assured access to homes and businesses will be maintained,” Douglas Jones, Engineering Manager at York Region, said in comments to Bullet Point News. “We understand construction creates challenges for the community, and we are working to deliver this project with minimal disruption.”

Additionally, “York Region has included enforceable stipulations with our contractors to ensure work abides to these conditions, and traffic control will be in place for safe driveway access,” Jones advised. “Property owners with driveways impacted by temporary culvert work will be contacted at least 24 hours prior to any construction.”

Residents with questions, concerns, or blocked access can contact York Region and reference “Contract: 25-155.” Public Works’ Transportation department can be reached at (877) 464-9675 ext. 75000 or by email at transportation@york.ca. For after-hours emergencies, call (877) 464-9675 ext. 75200.

“We thank residents for their patience and valuable input as we work to improve their roads and enhance safety,” Jones concluded. “Drivers, please exercise caution when driving through a road construction site.”