Pilot project for new type of highway moving forward in Ontario
Posted March 3, 2023 11:39 am.
Last Updated March 3, 2023 12:17 pm.
The Province of Ontario is moving ahead with a pilot project to test out a new type of highway system.
The design – called a 2+1 highway – is the first of its kind in North America, but has been used in other jurisdictions around the world including Sweden, Ireland, and Australia.
The new highway would operate as a three-lane road with a centre passing lane that would alternate direction every few kilometres. Opposing directions of traffic would be separated by a centre barrier.
This would give drivers the opportunity to pass slower moving vehicles without having to cross into oncoming traffic.
Ontario is moving ahead with a 2+1 highway pilot on Highway 11 north of North Bay.
This first-ever pilot in North America will help improve the flow of traffic and enhance safety for drivers.
Check it out ???? pic.twitter.com/7Gef3BTScI
— Ontario Ministry of Transportation (@ONtransport) March 2, 2023
According to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the new highway system is an innovative way to solve some of the issues with the province’s many two-lane highways.
“[The 2+1 highway design] has been proven to improve traffic flow and enhance safety” the MTO said in a video posted to twitter.
“This innovative design builds on the government’s plan to build Ontario and improve northern road safety”.
For the pilot project, two different sections of Highway 11 near North Bay are being looked at as potential locations, but if the pilot is successful, it is possible the program may be expanded to other areas of the province including the Greater Toronto Area.
