Ontario Highway 409 facts for kids
The Ontario Highway 409 is a special highway in Ontario, Canada. It helps connect the main Highway 401 to the busy Pearson Airport. This highway is located in the cities of Toronto and Mississauga. It's a short but very important road for travelers!
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What is Highway 409?
Highway 409 is part of Ontario's "400-series" highways. These are major roads designed for fast travel. The 409 acts like a direct link or "expressway" to Pearson Airport. It helps people get to and from the airport quickly.
Why is Highway 409 Important?
This highway is super important for anyone flying in or out of Pearson Airport. It makes travel easier for millions of passengers each year. It also helps move goods and supplies to and from the airport. Without it, traffic would be much worse around the airport area.
Connecting to Pearson Airport
The main job of Highway 409 is to connect to Pearson Airport. It starts near the airport and links up with Highway 401. Highway 401 is one of the busiest highways in North America! So, the 409 helps spread out some of that traffic. It gives drivers a clear path directly to the airport terminals.
A Look at Highway 409's History
Highway 409 wasn't always as smooth as it is today. It was built to improve access to the airport. Over the years, parts of it have been updated to handle more cars. For example, in 1992, a special "flyover" ramp was built. This ramp helps cars go from Highway 427 to Highway 409 without stopping. Before that, drivers had to stop at a traffic light! This upgrade made travel much faster and safer. There have also been other improvements, like reconstruction projects in 2008-2010, to keep the highway modern and efficient.
Images for kids
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Looking east on the 409 approaching the interchange with Martin Grove Road, after the 2009-10 reconstruction
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The flyover from Highway 427 to Highway 409 was constructed in 1992, replacing an at-grade signalized intersection.
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Aerial photo showing at-grade signalized intersection from 427 southbound to 409 eastbound.
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The at-grade signalized intersection of the Highway 427-409 junction in 1989
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Highway 409 westbound approaching Highway 27 overpass in 2007, prior to 2008 reconstruction.
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Highway 409's western terminus at Pearson Airport as viewed from Network Road, with the Highway 427 interchange in the background.
