Ontario is taking another significant step toward building Highway 413, issuing a notice of procurement to design and construct the eastern third of the highway and the Hwy. 427 extension, while also awarding a construction‑management contract for the Hwy. 410 extension. The province called the move one of the largest infrastructure procurements in its history, saying it signals accelerated progress on a project Premier Doug Ford has repeatedly framed as essential to reducing gridlock across the GTA.The procurement notice covers the stretch of Hwy. 413 from Hwy. 400 to west of The Gore Road, representing roughly one‑third of the full corridor. A formal request for proposals (RFP) will follow later this fall, outlining detailed design and construction requirements.The same RFP will include the Hwy. 427 Extension, running from Major Mackenzie Drive north to Hwy. 413.Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the province is “doubling down” on construction amid ongoing U.S. trade tensions, arguing that Hwy. 413 will cut travel times, support thousands of jobs and strengthen Ontario’s economy.“Highway 413 will reduce travel times across the GTA while supporting more than 6,000 jobs per year during construction and contributing more than $1 billion to Ontario’s GDP,” he said.What Hwy. 413 will includeHwy. 413 is planned to feature 11 interchanges across the GTA and accommodate up to 300,000 vehicles per day. The province says the highway could reduce travel times by as much as 30 minutes per trip, easing pressure on existing 400‑series highways in Toronto, Halton, Peel and York Region.The project is part of Ontario’s broader $31‑billion investment in highways, roads and bridges, which also includes the Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway twin bridge.The province has also awarded a contract for a construction manager overseeing the central section of Hwy. 413, including the 9.1‑kilometre Hwy. 410 Extension. That link will connect motorists to Hwy. 407 ETR, Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 403, improving access to Burlington, Hamilton, Brantford and Woodstock.Background: Years of debate and delaysHwy. 413 has been one of Ontario’s most contentious infrastructure projects. Construction was expected to begin as early as 2025, though the province has not released a final cost or completion timeline. The highway has faced environmental scrutiny, political pushback and jurisdictional disputes — including a high‑profile clash between the Ford government and Ottawa over federal environmental oversight.A 2024 agreement between Ontario and the federal government cleared a major hurdle, allowing the project to proceed without a full federal impact assessment. Since then, the province has moved ahead with design contracts, land preparation and early construction planning.The RFP for the eastern section will be issued later this fall, with contract awards expected in 2027.Related:Feds, Ford government reach deal to proceed with building controversial Hwy. 413Ontario transportation minister brushes aside report Hwy. 413 won’t help ease GTA gridlockRallies held across GTA opposing Hwy. 413, Bradford Bypass