By Rosalind Russell – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities is leading a proposal that would upgrade Highways 11 and 17 to the 2+1 model.
FONOM says the first phase of the project would see Highway 11 be expanded from North Bay to Cochrane, and Highway 17 from Renfrew to Sudbury.
The proposed second phase would see expansions from Cochrane to Nipigon, Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury, and Thunder Bay to Kenora.
FONOM says the proposal, which was sent to both Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford, comes as the federal government consults on national interest projects under the Building Canada Act … which prioritizes east-west trade, industrial development, and strategic infrastructure.
In the letter, FONOM adds insufficient passing opportunities, above-average collision and fatality rates, as well as regular closures due to weather and accidents on 11 and 17 not only endanger lives but also disrupt freight movement, delay goods and increases costs for industries.
The province has already announced a pilot project which would see a section Highway 11 between North Bay and Temagami get the 2+1 changes.
FONOM says that project is set to begin in 2026.
Photo of Highway 17 signage –asphaltplanet.ca
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