Ontario Construction News staff writer
Municipal leaders across Northern Ontario are urging federal and provincial governments to transform Highways 11 and 17 into safer, more efficient “2+1” corridors as part of a broader national infrastructure strategy.
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), representing more than 110 cities, towns and municipalities, sent a detailed proposal to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford calling for the reconstruction of these vital Trans-Canada Highway routes under the federal Building Canada Act.
FONOM is calling for governments to seize what it calls a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a Trans-Canada Highway network that is “modern, safe, autonomous, and truly coast-to-coast.”
The plan calls for a phased expansion of the highways into 2+1 configurations — a three-lane design featuring a centre passing lane that alternates direction every few kilometres and is separated by crash-rated median barriers. This design, already in use in countries like Sweden and Australia, is seen as a cost-effective alternative to full highway twinning while significantly improving road safety.
“Transforming the Trans-Canada’s Highway 17 and its Highway 11 Northern Route into 2+1 corridors is not simply a matter of regional equity — it is a strategic investment in Canada’s future,” Danny Whalen, president of FONOM, said in a letter to federal and provincial leaders. “It safeguards our autonomy, strengthens our supply chains, advances reconciliation, and supports economic growth — while reinforcing the vital national bond between northern and southern Canada.”
The proposal aligns with Carney’s five nation-building priorities outlined in the Building Canada Act, including strengthening Canada’s economic resilience, advancing Indigenous participation, and supporting climate objectives.
Phase one of the plan targets construction on Highway 11 between North Bay and Cochrane, and on Highway 17 from Renfrew to Sudbury. Phase two would extend improvements from Cochrane to Nipigon, Thunder Bay to Kenora, and Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury.
The request comes as Ontario plans a pilot 2+1 highway segment between North Bay and Temagami, with intentions to expand northward. FONOM sees this as a critical opportunity for federal collaboration.
According to the federation, more than 925,000 truck shipments travelled these two-lane highways between 2013 and 2017, volumes comparable to major four-lane corridors such as Highway 401, underscoring the economic importance of the routes.
The Ontario Trucking Association and Truckers for Safer Highways have raised alarms about safety concerns along these highways, citing frequent fatal crashes due to limited passing opportunities.
“This nation-building project outlines a phased approach to improving road safety, boosting economic efficiency, and strengthening internal trade routes by investing in critical Northern Ontario transportation infrastructure,” the federation stated.
