After a gestation period of more than 25 years, the birth of the Highway 410 extension from Bovaird Drive to Highway 10 is finally in sight.

It was in about 1982 that the extension's design was conceived.

Now construction is under way as far north as Mayfield Road.

Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield announced recently that a $42-million contract had been awarded to B. Gottardo Construction Ltd. of Woodbridge for the roughly 4 km completion to Highway 10 at Brampton's northern limit.

That final phase, which includes three bridges and an interchange at Valleywood Blvd., is scheduled for completion in 2009 - at least 27 years after the extension was first formally proposed.

The wheels of government might turn slowly. The wheels of commuters will turn more rapidly - until they get to the giant bottleneck at Caledon Village, although that is also expected to be overcome by the fall of 2008 and there is apparently some question about acquisition of one property.

According to a news release, the total cost of the Highway 410 extension has been pegged at $160 million, including the most recently awarded contract.

Communications officer Bob Nichols said the provincial government is funding all but Peel Region's $37.4- million share of the total.

In making the announcement, Ms. Cansfield said the extension would relieve congestion on local roads, as well as moving commuters more quickly to their homes.

"Highway 410 is a very busy commuter route," said Ms. Cansfield.

"That is why we are moving forward with the final phase of construction to extend the 410 north to Caledon. This much-needed extension will take the burden off local roads - up to 60,000 drivers per day are expected to use this new section of highway once it's completed."

Both Brampton-Centre MPP Linda Jeffrey and Peel Region Chairman Emil Kolb welcomed the announcement.

"This long awaited extension is great news for my community," said Ms. Jeffrey. "It shows our government's commitment to residents and commuters in Brampton and Caledon. Our continuing prosperity depends on a safe and efficient highway network."

Said Mr. Kolb: "Hard work and responsible government collaboration make the Highway 410 extension a reality.

I am certain this new extension will be well travelled and appreciated. This will prepare Peel for future growth."

With the provincial election looming within about six weeks, Dufferin-Caledon Liberal candidate Betsy Hall, when told how long it had been since the extension was just a dream, said, "Thank heavens we finally have a government that'll do something about it."