rapid transit construction
in Newmarket: 2015
the transformation of
Newmarket continues
VivaNext is committed to designing and delivering an exceptional rapid
transit system—one that will help shape growth in our communities,
connect York Region’s urban centres and provide faster, more reliable trips.
The next generation of rapid transit is coming to Davis Drive by the end of
December 2015, bringing Viva vehicles to Davis in their own dedicated bus
rapid transit lanes [rapidways]. Pre-construction activities for a bus
rapidway will also start this year on Yonge Street in Newmarket.
These rapidways are more than just transit projects, they also include
urban design elements such as pedestrian-friendly boulevards, wider
sidewalks, attractive landscaping and green open spaces for the whole
community to enjoy.
During construction, we’ll continue to keep everyone informed and
minimize disruptions as much as possible for those who live, work and
commute in Newmarket.
In this booklet, we answer the most commonly asked questions
and highlight how the vivaNext projects will benefit our living
environment for generations to come while York Region—and
Newmarket—continue to grow.
Future Southlake vivastation
rapid transit construction in Newmarket » 1
Highw
ay 404
ig h
He
Leslie St
ts
Dr
Huron
St
Patterso
n
n
Lo
Main St
g ford
Yonge St
Dr
Davis Drive transformation unfolds
N
Parkside / Longford
centre-lane vivastation
Main
Southlake
curbside station
Highw
ay 404
Alexan der Rd
ugh Rd
Roxboro
Prospe
ct St
Lorne Ave
Parkside Dr
Davis Drive
H
Huron Heights
terminal location
Leslie
dedicated rapidway
transit in mixed traffic
The Davis Drive rapidway will open by the end of December 2015,
connecting Yonge Street to Highway 404 with a new Viva service.
So far, Newmarket has received a new system of storm drains,
sewer pipes, gas and water mains, and telecommunications along
Davis Drive.
coming this year on Davis Drive
•Road widening and paving are underway and will progress along
the corridor
•Construction on the vivastations will continue throughout the
summer and fall at Longford/Parkside, Main and Southlake
Regional Health Centre
•Two curbside stations at Alexander/Huron Heights and Leslie, plus
a final station at Highway 404, are being installed this summer
•An expanded park and ride at Highway 404 that will connect with
YRT/Viva and GO Transit is under construction
•New signalized intersection at Southlake’s main entrance will
allow pedestrians to cross safely at the lights to access the
medical buildings on Davis
By the end of December 2015,
rapid transit service will be running on Davis Drive
from Yonge Street to Highway 404.
2 » vivanext.com
Keith Bridge
The Keith Bridge is being reconstructed as part of the vivaNext rapidway.
Newmarket’s rich architectural and transportation heritage was the
inspiration of the design of the new Keith Bridge. The reconstructed
bridge features several historic design elements including replica period
light fixtures, poles and decorative concrete railings.
finishing touches
Finishing touches such as landscaping and warranty-related work will
be completed in warmer weather in 2016. When it’s done, you’ll also see
elegant boulevards with planters, interlocking stone and concrete
sidewalks in sections along Davis.
With the completion of the rapidway, Davis will be a renewed urban
destination with exceptional transit and welcoming public areas that
attract new visitors and businesses, and ultimately shape the growth
of Newmarket and York Region.
rapid transit construction in Newmarket » 3
Yonge Street rapidway coming to Newmarket
The Yonge Street rapidway will stretch approximately
2.4 kilometres from Mulock Drive to Davis Drive. The rapidway
will include three centre-lane vivastations at Mulock, Eagle
and Davis. This section of the rapidway will also connect to the
Davis Drive rapidway.
Pre-construction activities began this year. The completion of
the rapidway is expected by the end of 2018.
The Yonge rapidway this year:
•The detailed design is being finalized in preparation for
roadway construction next year
•Pre-construction activities are underway, including
underground utility investigations, to determine the
locations of pre-existing utilities such as sewer, gas, water
mains and telecommunications before work begins
•Work on retaining walls is slated to start in the summer
Lane closures will be required for some of this work. When
possible, noise, and other disruptions during this phase will
be kept to a minimum.
preliminary construction timeline
construction work
construction work
2015
2016
2017
2018
utilities [gas, hydro, telecom]
road widening
rapidway construction
rapidways in service!
open
*For visualization purpose; subject to change
4 » vivanext.com
N
Davis Dri
ve
Yonge Street
Eagle
Mulock
transition into mixed traffic
dedicated rapidway
centre-lane vivastation
Rapidway Fast Facts:
•V iva vehicles travelling the Yonge Street rapidway
will connect with YRT, Viva and GO buses at the
Newmarket Bus Terminal and Richmond Hill Centre
Terminal, and customers will be able to transfer to
TTC subway and buses at Finch Subway Station
•Viva vehicles will turn on to the Davis Drive rapidway to
connect with GO trains and buses at the Newmarket
GO Station and will continue to Highway 404
rapid transit construction in Newmarket » 5
frequently asked questions
what is a rapidway?
Rapidways are dedicated lanes in the centre of the road for Viva
vehicles only. In response to emergencies, police, fire and
ambulance vehicles will be permitted to use the rapidways.
Stations are placed along the rapidway, with passenger access
located at signalized intersections.
what are some special features of the rapidway?
Dedicated transit lanes will be separated from mixed-use traffic
with a high-visibility, durable red pavement colour.
New Viva vehicles will have increased passenger capacity and
include a variety of seating for customer comfort.
Rapidway stations feature curved glass, heated enclosures,
real-time transit updates, near-level boarding and off-board
payment. Rapidway stations will be equipped with security
surveillance and emergency call buttons.
All Viva buses are accessible. The buses are low-floor accessible
and equipped with a ramp. There is designated accessible seating
available near the front of every Viva vehicle.
The platforms are designed to accommodate two articulated
buses for loading and unloading at the same time.
how do I cross Davis or Yonge or access the vivastations in the
centre of the street?
People can cross Davis or Yonge and get to the vivastations in the
centre of the street by crossing at the signalized intersection and
turning onto the platform ramp at the centre of the crosswalk. To
return to the sidewalk from the vivastation, a pedestrian light with
push-button activation is located at the centre of the crosswalk at the
platform ramp. If needed, pedestrians can cross the street in two
stages, waiting in the centre median for the next signal.
6 » vivanext.com
will the new intersections be fully accessible?
All signalized intersections on Davis and Yonge will have well-marked
crossings, combined with audible and push button signals to make it
easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road. Vivastations are fully
accessible with a gentle sloping ramp to access the platforms with near
level boarding.
what can residents expect when rapidway construction is complete?
When complete, the Davis Drive and Yonge Street rapidways will
incorporate urban design elements such as wider boulevards, shade
trees and attractive landscaping.
The rapidway projects are part of the overarching Regional Transportation
Plan that will bring an exceptional rapid transit system to the area making
it easier to travel in and around York Region and connect to other transit
systems across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Once complete, Davis and Yonge will function better for all commuters,
whether they’re drivers or transit users. With the addition of dedicated
left-turn lanes at signalized intersections and other improvements,
traffic flow is expected to improve by approximately 25%.
rapid transit construction in Newmarket » 7
the new vivastation: designed around you from
the top down
PA system has both live and
recorded announcements;
automatic volume levels adjust
based on time of day.
Tinted glass enhances
comfort, reduces glare and
improves visibility.
Vivastations can
accommodate two vehicles
as well as future LRT.
Motion-activated heaters
provide warmth while the
new automated entry
doors minimize heat loss.
Raised tiles along the
platform edge provide
greater awareness
for the visually impaired.
Security cameras are
installed at key points
around the platform.
8 » vivanext.com
Emergency call button
allows for two-way
communication and
triggers blue
pulsing lights.
Signage helps direct
riders with ease
and clarity.
Innovative canopy design
hangs over the vehicle,
ensuring comfortable boarding
and disembarking.
Riders can easily keep track
of arrivals and service
announcements in real-time
with the message board.
Security surveillance
and intercom for
emergency assistance
on platform.
Fare payments
made easy. Use cash,
debit, credit, monthly
passes or the new
PRESTO card.
Designated waiting
area is marked for
those who have paid
their fare and
validated their ticket.
Glass enclosure
helps riders stay
dry and sheltered
all year round.
rapid transit construction in Newmarket » 9
keeping you informed
Coping with construction is a lot easier when you know what to
expect, where, and for how long. For an in-depth look at different
elements of vivaNext projects, plans, designs and ongoing
activities, visit vivanext.com. You can also find answers to any
questions you may have through:
•subscribing to receive email construction notices at vivanext.com
• liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter
• reading our blog at vivanext.com/blog
•visiting our project information office at 130 Davis Drive, Unit #4
[Newmarket Plaza] to give us your feedback, and see maps and
visuals [*Office hours: Mondays 12pm-4pm, Tuesdays 12pm-6pm
or by appointment.]
Community Liaisons
Michelle Dudzik
Davis Drive Community Liaison
Tel: 905.886.6767 ext. 71096 Cell: 905.716.7663
Email: michelle.dudzik@york.ca
Kristina Bergeron
Davis Drive Community Liaison
Tel: 905.886.6767 ext. 71051 Cell: 905.505.1347
Email: kristina.bergeron@york.ca
Leslie Pawlowski
Yonge Street Community Liaison
Tel: 905.886.6767 ext. 71357 Cell: 905.505.1430
Email: leslie.pawlowski@york.ca
10 » vivanext.com
stop, shop + dine.
supporting local businesses through construction
To help support local businesses during construction, vivaNext has
developed a business support program. In collaboration with local
chambers of commerce and boards of trade, the program offers tools,
information and other benefits for continued success. The program also
gets the word out that businesses are still open during construction. The
rapidways will help connect people from York Region and beyond while
attracting new customers to our local businesses.
rapid transit construction in Newmarket » 11
Highway 407
Highway 7
to Kitchener
TORONTO
* Subject to change
Map not to scale
Rev. 05 / 2015
12 » vivanext.com
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Finch Avenue
Sheppard Avenue
Cornell
rapid transit construction
in Newmarket
» 13
Future Main
Street vivastation
Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request.