The province said Thursday the Highway 407 extension to Clarington will be completed by 2020, easing congestion along the busy commuter route.

Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne said the project will create approximately 13,000 jobs.

The first phase of the project, which was originally planned from Brock Road to Simcoe Street in Oshawa, will be extended to Harmony Road by 2015.

The second phase will extend the 407 to Highway 35/115 in Clarinton. That part is slated to finish in 2020 and will include an interim interchange at Taunton Road for the East Durham Link by 2017.

"I've been meeting with community groups and representatives, reviewing our plans for this highway and addressing local concerns. We've said all along that we would honour our commitment to extend the 407 East to Highway 35/115 and now we have a timetable to get it built," Wynne said in a statement.