Construction is officially complete on projects to widen highways 400 and 404.

The provincial government says the new lanes will allow cars and trucks travelling north and south to benefit from faster, more efficient commutes, supporting the GTA’s growing population.

“Expanding highways 400 and 404 will provide much needed relief for drivers, helping them spend less time in traffic and more time with their families and friends,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

A report from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis found gridlock costs Ontario’s economy $56 billion a year.

Construction crews widened nine kilometres of Highway 400 from Major Mackenzie Drive to King Road, with crews adding one new general-purpose lane in each direction.

Highway 404 has been widened 11 kilometres from Highway 407 to Stouffville Road, adding a new high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction which can be used by cars, taxis, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Dufferin Construction Company was awarded the contract to widen Highway 404 from Highway 407 to Major Mackenzie Drive. Brennan Paving and Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract to widen Highway 404 from Major Mackenzie Drive to Stouffville Road.

Green Infrastructure Partners was awarded the contract to widen Highway 400 from Major Mackenzie Drive to King Road.

The Ontario government is investing nearly $28 billion over the next decade to repair, build and expand highways, roads, and bridges across the province.