Ontario narrows choices for highway pilot in the north
By Adam Freill
ConstructionProvince seeking input on 2+1 highway pilot.
Proposed 2+1 highway pilot locations. (Source: Ministry of Transportation of Ontario)
The Ontario government has narrowed its search down to two possible locations for a 2+1 highway pilot on Highway 11, north of North Bay. The three-lane highway – with a centre passing lane that changes direction approximately every two to five kilometres – is expected to help improve road safety and traffic flow in Northern Ontario.
“Our government is moving forward with the first-ever 2+1 highway pilot in North America to help make our roads safer,” said Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s minister of transportation. “We have heard resounding calls from local stakeholders to move this project forward.”
The two locations currently under consideration for the proposed pilot project are a 14-kilometre stretch between Sand Dam Road and Ellesmere Road, and a 16-kilometre distance from Highway 64 to Jumping Caribou Lake Road.
Public and stakeholders can comment on the proposed locations on the Ministry of Transportation’s Technical Consultation Portal until January 11, 2022. The province will evaluate comments and announce which location will advance to preliminary design in January.
“The 2+1 highway project is important for people and businesses across Northern Ontario who rely on our roads and highways every day to get where they need to go,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and MPP for Nipissing. “This pilot project along Highway 11 will help address some of the unique transportation challenges experienced by remote communities, including First Nation communities, and will play an important part in strengthening economic growth and job creation in the North.”
The pilot locations were selected based on a site selection criteria report that was posted for comment on the Ministry of Transportation’s technical consultation portal in September, with input from 2+1 Advancement Working Group, which includes representation from Going the Extra Mile for Safety (part of the Temiskaming Shores and Area Chamber of Commerce).
