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vivaNext Yonge Street Rapidway - Richmond Hill to Newmarket

As part of the York Region Rapid Transit Network Plan, vivaNext aims to ease traffic congestion by expanding access to rapid transit options. The Yonge Street Rapidway will extend the system north along Yonge Street from Richmond Hill and the Langstaff Urban Growth Centre at Highway 7 to Green Lane in Newmarket. Consisting of three sections, the project involved 9.6 kilometres (6 miles) of major arterial road widening and reconstruction, 10 bus rapid transit (BRT) stations equipped with a real time passenger information system, and sheltered, heated passenger platforms.

York Rapidlink Constructors JV engaged us as the prime consultant responsible for the completion of all pre-bid and delivery-stage design services. We provided a wide range of multidisciplinary services such as road design, traffic and civil engineering, structures design, and complex utility coordination. Additionally, we assisted with environmental compliance, tree protection measures, landscape architecture, and construction site services.

We incorporated Complete Streets concepts throughout the design¡ªtaking into account safe access for everyone, from pedestrians of all ages and abilities to cyclists and drivers¡ªvia an iterative process of analysis and trade-off evaluations to prioritize and fit all of the facilities required to accommodate the various modes of transportation, including cyclists and pedestrians. The most challenging areas were pinch points in the right-of-way and intersections. Retrofitting the intersections to accommodate BRT access, while providing appropriate turning movements, adding cycling facilities, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliant pedestrian features added additional challenges.

When complete, the Yonge Street Rapidway will feature dedicated lanes, enhance connectivity across urban centers in the area, and link seamlessly with regional transportation networks and future subway extensions.