North Dontario communities propose broadening parts of Trans-Canada Highway

The communities of Northern Ontario are advocating for the expansion of the Trans-Canada Highway as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s infrastructure development initiatives under BILL C-5.

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) has put forward a two-phase proposal to improve the safety and efficiency of highways 11 and 17, which traverse the northeastern region of the province. These highways are currently part of the federal Trans-Canada network, but the majority of their sections only have two lanes, posing safety concerns and hindering traffic flow during incidents.

FONOM’s proposal suggests implementing a 2+1 design, which involves adding a third lane that alternates between directions of traffic every few kilometers. This configuration, common in countries like Germany and Sweden, includes a median to prevent unsafe passing maneuvers.

President of FONOM, Danny Whalen, has expressed optimism about the proposal, which has garnered support from other municipal associations. The plan aims to first implement the 2+1 design on segments of highways 11 and 17, with the goal of eventually extending it to cover a larger portion of the highways.

While the cost of the project has not been estimated, a report from the Northern Policy Institute suggests that transitioning to a 2+1 configuration could be more cost-effective than traditional twinning of highways.

The proposal aligns with Bill C-5, which allows the federal government to prioritize infrastructure projects of national importance. It emphasizes the economic benefits, improved safety, and environmental advantages of the 2+1 design for highways in Northern Ontario.

As the government considers various projects under the Building Canada Act, the proposal for highways 11 and 17 is seen as a crucial initiative that could benefit indigenous communities and contribute to the region’s economic development. The implementation of the 2+1 design is expected to enhance connectivity and safety on these key transportation routes.

Overall, the proposal underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure projects that support the growth and prosperity of Northern Ontario. By prioritizing initiatives like the expansion of the Trans-Canada Highway, the government can create a more efficient and sustainable transportation network for the region.