In Vaughan, Ontario, a transformative infrastructure project is taking shape.
The Canada Drive–America Avenue Bridge, currently under construction over Highway 400, is one of the first in Ontario to incorporate post-tensioned NU-1400 girders—precast, prestressed beams engineered for long spans and high structural efficiency.

Building on decades of collaborative success, EllisDon has partnered closely with the City of Vaughan, with funding from York Region, and the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, to bring this bridge to life, continuing its legacy of forging lasting alliances to deliver infrastructure that truly serves the community’s evolving needs. 

This new bridge will connect Canada Drive on the west side of Highway 400 with America Avenue on the east, creating a vital east-west link in a rapidly developing part of the city. Once complete, it will feature two traffic lanes, sidewalks, and bike lanes on both sides, making it a true multi-modal corridor for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. The bridge is designed to support future growth, ease congestion, and improve emergency response times for surrounding neighbourhoods.

Navigating Design Complexity: Meeting Dual Stakeholder Needs

A key challenge in delivering the Canada Drive–America Avenue Bridge stemmed from its unique ownership structure. While the City of Vaughan is the official client, the bridge will ultimately be owned and maintained by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Working closely with design and trade partners, EllisDon developed solutions to meet MTO’s updated requirements made during the design phase. Each proposal was carefully evaluated for its impact on cost and schedule, then presented to the City of Vaughan alongside EllisDon’s recommended path forward. Once approved by the city, the solution was submitted to MTO for final sign-off.

This process underscores our expertise in orchestrating multi-agency infrastructure projects through a spirit of collaboration and a steadfast client-first approach. The delicate balance of managing and navigating complex stakeholder environments showcased why The City of Vaughan chose EllisDon: we handle complexities with transparency and care. By fostering open communication and engaging all stakeholders early and often, EllisDon ensured that every solution was shaped by the collective expertise of our partners and tailored to meet the unique needs of both the client and the end users. This collaborative, transparent decision-making balances technical innovation with accountability, and also builds trust.

Engineering Innovation: NU Girders in Action

A defining feature of the Canada Drive–America Avenue Bridge is its use of post-tensioned NU girders, a first for bridge construction in Ontario. Developed by the University of Nebraska, these precast, prestressed concrete beams are engineered for long spans and high structural efficiency. The wide base of the girders accommodates extra steel reinforcement, and the post-tensioning helps the bridge carry heavier loads and remain strong in high-pressure areas, such as over highway supports.

In Spring 2025, EllisDon crews successfully installed the bridge’s NU girders during overnight lane closures. This complex operation required meticulous planning and coordination to minimize disruption to one of Ontario’s busiest highways. This milestone not only showcased EllisDon’s technical precision but also its commitment to delivering complex infrastructure with care and foresight.

These girders are particularly well-suited to urban infrastructure projects. Their shallow depth makes them ideal for locations with vertical clearance constraints (bridges over busy highways), while their compatibility with high-strength concrete ensures long-term durability. By needing fewer support columns and fewer joints, NU girders streamline construction and minimize future maintenance, a solution that aligns with our drive to build smarter and more sustainable infrastructure.

Built for Community Growth

We pride ourselves on being a construction company that understands building is a requirement for community wellbeing. The Canada Drive–America Avenue Bridge is a direct response to Vaughan’s evolving needs, designed to improve mobility, support housing development, and enhance emergency access. Community impact was at the heart of every decision, from the inclusion of bike lanes and sidewalks to the strategic location that connects neighborhoods and unlocks future development.

By delivering key public assets, EllisDon continues helping shape cities that are ready for the future—connected, sustainable, and built to last.