Metrolinx and the government of Ontario have kicked off construction at Bradford GO Station that will enhance station features and amenities while supporting future two-way, all-day service along the Barrie GO line.
“Residents of Bradford deserve a modern transit hub that sets them up for success. As we continue to make progress in the fight against COVID-19, our government is also preparing for the return of transit riders, which is why we are getting shovels in the ground to better connect communities along the entire Barrie GO line,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Building Ontario through critical transit projects, like Bradford GO Station and GO service expansion to Barrie, is part of our government’s plan to improve travel options for people in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and across the province.”
Construction on the first phase is officially underway. Since mid-January, Bradford GO customers and community members may have seen increasing construction activity as part of the mobilization by the project contractor.
The contractor will continue mobilization work including setting up construction fencing and signage, after which the work will start on site electrical installations and activities for the installation of an underground storage tank for stormwater.
The improvements to Bradford GO Station include the installation of a traffic signal at the Dissette Street entrance, three new bus bays, a bus loop and an enhanced passenger pick-up and drop-off area that will provide better access to regional GO and local Bradford West Gwillimbury Transit bus service. Customers will have access to new heated bus shelters, new passenger pick-up and drop-off spaces and an expanded parking lot with 33 additional parking spots.
“I want to thank the province for kicking off this important work that will improve the experience for our transit users in Bradford,” said Rob Keffer, Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury. “The upgrades at Bradford GO Station fit in with the creation of our Bradford West Gwillimbury bus service in recent years, the new Simcoe County LINX service across our region and the ongoing expansion of GO train and bus service on the Barrie Line. These related transit improvements are critical to our goal of reducing traffic congestion in our area.”
The station improvements will support plans for 15-minute service on the Barrie GO line beyond Aurora to Bradford GO in the future, serving communities like Vaughan, Aurora and Bradford.
“We’re taking the next step to improve the way our customers travel at Bradford GO with direct connections to regional and local transit, enhanced safety and easier ways to get in and out of the station,” said Phil Verster, president and CEO of Metrolinx. “This project is part of GO Expansion, which will support faster, more frequent travel at Bradford GO Station and two-way, all-day service in the years to come.”
Bradford GO project benefits
The improvements at Bradford GO will be delivered in two phases, with the first phase currently underway.
Planning for the second phase is underway and is expected to deliver further expansion of the parking lot and other station improvement.
The first phase of the project will enhance access to the station for both pedestrians and vehicles through the installation of a new traffic signal at the Dissette Street entrance, as well as new sidewalks from Dissette Street and Bridge Street.
Mobility to and from the station will be improved with the addition of a new pick-up and drop-off zone and an improved bus loop providing three new bays and one new heated shelter.
The station will also benefit from improved security as station lighting will be upgraded, and a new CCTV system will be installed.
Part of a growing region
With the population of Simcoe County expected to grow by approximately 37 percent by 2041, Metrolinx says it is committed to expanding GO service along the Barrie Line.
The work at Bradford GO is part of the larger GO Expansion project, which means faster, more frequent travel.
By making improvements today, Metrolinx says it is building infrastructure that will support faster, two-way, all-day service as frequently as every 15 minutes to Bradford GO.
