TORONTO, July 3, 2026 – York Region closed the section of 19th Avenue between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street in Richmond Hill on July 2, with the closure expected to remain in place until September 15. All through traffic must detour. Residents who normally use 19th Avenue for east-west commuting, deliveries or family transportation will need to adjust their routes and departure times.
The closure is required for the construction of two large culverts, road elevation work, stream realignment and the installation of new storm sewers. It forms part of the broader 19th Avenue widening project. The full project includes expanding the road from two lanes to four, building a multi-use path on the south side, adding a sidewalk on the north side, and installing new traffic signals and street lighting. Completion is expected by summer 2027.
During the closure, driveways and entrances serving homes, businesses and other properties along the corridor will remain open. However, local access does not mean vehicles will be able to travel through the entire construction zone. People visiting family or friends, making deliveries, carrying out repair or renovation work, or providing home-care services should first confirm which side of the closure the property is located on and whether access should be made from Bayview Avenue or Leslie Street.
York Region has not provided a single estimated detour time. Nearby roads, including Bayview Avenue, Leslie Street and other east-west routes, may experience increased traffic during morning and evening rush hours. Navigation applications may also change suggested routes based on current conditions. Residents should check real-time traffic information before leaving rather than waiting until they reach the road closure to turn around.
Construction is generally scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The region said the schedule may change because of weather and that advance notice will be provided when conditions allow. Even if the road reopens on September 15, surrounding widening and infrastructure work will continue, and the reopening will not mean the entire project is complete.
Families with medical appointments, school or child-care transportation, or travel arrangements for people with mobility limitations should notify drivers and service providers in advance. Businesses can also send suppliers the closure dates, recommended access direction and unloading location to reduce the risk of vehicles arriving and being unable to reach the entrance.
Residents can subscribe to email updates through York Region’s 19th Avenue project webpage. Anyone who finds that a temporary entrance is blocked or has questions about the work can call York Region at 1-877-464-9675. For after-hours emergencies, callers can use the same number and enter extension 75200.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
