A busy stretch of Yonge Street could be getting a major makeover.

A report that goes before the city’s Public Works Committee this week aims at transforming a stretch of Yonge Street from Sheppard to Finch avenues with wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes and a larger median.

The report, called “Re-imagining Yonge Street” will be discussed by the committee on Friday. The goal is to revamp one of Toronto’s most congested arteries by beautifying the area with more trees and planters, as well as creating more space for pedestrians, restaurant patios and cafes.

Part of the redesign would reduce the existing six lanes of traffic down to four between Sheppard Avenue to just north of Finch Avenue.

Coun. John Filion, who has championed the plan, says the area has been neglected for far too long and it should be more than a sea of highrises with six lanes of highway running down the middle. He says the idea is to create a beautiful main street that connects the buildings and the people who live in them.

The project will cost an estimated $51 million and Filion believes it is eligible for provincial and federal infrastructure funding.

See below for in-depth details of the plan: