Ontario to pilot 2+1 design on Hwy. 11
Ontario will pilot the province’s first 2+1 highway design on Hwy. 11 north of North Bay in an attempt to improve highway safety.
A 2+1 highway is a three-lane highway with a center passing lane that changes direction approximately every two to five kilometers, the province notes. The highway model is used in other jurisdictions around the world and is more cost efficient than twinning a highway.
“This first of its kind highway pilot in North America will keep people and goods moving safely across Northern Ontario,” said Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney. “This is a key next step to get shovels in the ground on critical infrastructure projects that will support a strong transportation network and create jobs.”
The province has issued a request for proposals on the design and construction. Two sites have been identified for the project.
“We’re excited to see the 2+1 pilot project moving forward,” said Helene Culhane, chairwoman of Going the Extra Mile for Safety. “We’ve been working with Ontario for several years regarding safety on Hwy. 11 and have advocated for the 2+1 model. It is gratifying to see our hard work is paying off. Our main goal has always been the safety of our roads and our travelers, and we can’t thank the Ministry enough for delivering on their promise.”
Have your say
This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.
Omg are they serous ? This is a very bad idea any time we are close to direct oncoming traffic , has anyone a brain? Why the effort to do something stupid when all highways are safer divided and wide
I think I will move to northern Ontario and open a funeral home.
This is the dumbest idea they can have. There is one near home and the head on collisions are many, especially in winter.
Highway 11 always been dangerous in all weather and this change might be beneficial if drivers abide by the rules???
Trucker here, this a tremendous move forward in traffic and transport safety. I’m 100% behind this improvement.
THIS IDEA MAY HAVE WORKEDBACK WHEN DRIVERS FOLLOWED THE RULES OF THE ROAD BUT YOU SEEE DRIVERS PASSING WHEN IT UN SAFE TO DO SO THE MINISTER OF TRANPORTATION SHOULD TRAVEL ON HWY 11 TOO SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE NOW HOW WILL YOU SEE THE MARKING ON ROAD WHEN IT COVERED IN SNOW 4TO5 MONTHS OF THE YEAR
This arrangement was on the Hwy between Barrie and Sudbury in early 2000’s. Was very convenient to pass slow drivers on a tricky road. Drivers were able keep cool knowing that passing lane is coming soon.