Northern Ontario leaders push for safer 2+1 highways
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The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is calling on federal and provincial governments to invest in critical upgrades to Highways 11 and 17, aiming to improve both trade efficiency and road safety in the region.
FONOM has outlined a two-phase expansion plan to convert stretches of the highways into a '2+1' model – a design featuring two lanes in one direction and one in the other, separated by a crash-rated median barrier. The configuration alternates every 2 to 5 kilometres, allowing safe passing opportunities for drivers in both directions.
Government of Ontario - press release
An Ontario Ministry of Transportation illustration of the proposed 2+1 divided highway model to be piloted on Highway 11. (Ministry of Transportation/Facebook)
Phase 1 expansion targets key corridors
The first phase of proposed upgrades includes:
Highway 11 : North Bay to Cochrane
: North Bay to Cochrane Highway 17: Renfrew to Sudbury
Phase 2 expands to northwestern Ontario
The second phase would extend improvements to:
Highway 11 : Cochrane to Nipigon
: Cochrane to Nipigon Highways 11/17 : Thunder Bay to Kenora
: Thunder Bay to Kenora Highway 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury
FONOM President Danny Whalen emphasized the national economic importance of these roadways as trade routes and transportation corridors.
'We have shared that document with the Premier, with the Prime Minister, including a letter that I've signed, and we've also sent it to all the Premiers across Canada, because the economy that's running on Highway 11 and 17 isn't local, it's not provincial – it's the federal economy,' he said.
Danny Whalen
An undated promotion photo of Danny Whalen, president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities. (File photo/FONOM)
European model promotes safety, efficiency
Mark Wilson, a Temiskaming Shores councillor and member of the Going the Extra Mile for Safety committee, highlighted the success of 2+1 highways in Europe.
'We have been advocating for the use of 2+1 roads in northern Ontario since about 2015,' he said. 'I travelled to Sweden, Ireland, and the Baltic States, and they use two-plus-one roads very successfully. They're very safe. They eliminate head-on crashes.'
A pilot project for a 2+1 highway in the North Bay area is set to begin next year. FONOM argues that expanding this model would enhance cross-country trade and support major infrastructure projects.
Local MP backs proposal as 'nation-building' initiative
Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort endorsed FONOM's plan, linking it to broader economic and industrial goals.
'I think the FONOM proposal is very timely, especially as we're talking about increasing our domestic use of steel… also our nation-building projects, whether they be the Ring of Fire or large hydroelectric projects,' she said. 'This is what FONOM is recognizing – that the Trans-Canada Highway is critical and transport is critical to our trade.'
Federal response non-committal
CTV News reached out to federal and provincial transportation ministries for comment but received no immediate response.
However, Pierre Cugen of Canada's Privy Council Office provided a statement via email, outlining the criteria for national-interest infrastructure projects under the Building Canada Act. The legislation considers whether a project:
Strengthens Canada's autonomy, resilience and security; provides economic or other benefits; has a high likelihood of successful execution; advances Indigenous interests; and contributes to clean growth and climate goals.
Cugen noted that project selection involves consultation with provinces, territories and Indigenous groups, adding, 'It would not be appropriate for the Government of Canada to comment on individual projects at this time.'
Safety concerns drive local urgency
Whalen stressed that northern Ontario's highways are among the deadliest in the province, and upgrades are long overdue.
'The right time to upgrade them was a long time ago,' he said.
'Regardless of the economy, saving lives is an important reason for 2+1 highways.'
Highway 11 closed
Ontario Provincial Police closed Highway 11 from Portage Bay Road to Highway 11B for an investigation. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)
FONOM's proposal now awaits government action as advocates continue to push for a safer, more efficient transportation network for northern Ontario.
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