Northern Ontario municipalities renew calls for improved highway safety

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The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is calling for faster progress on highway safety improvements following a fatal crash near Smooth Rock Falls earlier this month. The March 7 […]

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[MikeJr]

The statistics are insane:

Key Data Points (2020-2025)

• Total Fatalities (Hwy 11 & 17): 242
• Highway 11 Deaths: 116 (10,661 collisions)
• Highway 17 Deaths: 123 (8,960 collisions)
• Risk Factor: Drivers are statistically three times more likely to die on northern roads compared to southern Ontario.
• Commercial Vehicle Involvement: In 2024, 60% of fatal collisions in the OPP’s North West Region involved commercial motor vehicles.
  

Even better, changing the truck route through Thunder Bay from Dawson Road to the Harbour Expressway when there's no overpasses, lacking additional turning lanes and it's a longer friggin' route. It's embarrassing. Plus, drivers can't even stop at Dawson General for the best Smash Burger in town anymore.

I'm fortunate that my wife consults from home full time and my drive is not on the highway. Right Jim, my 4 1/2 minute commute, plus the 30 seconds I need to lock the gate at the end of the driveway!!?

Keep well, and stay away from 11/17 in Northern Ontario. It's a death trap,
Mike

 

[Rob]

Seen a video last night saying Highway 11 was closed in 2024 over 370 ish times and Highway 17 over 800 in a year. Canada only first world country without a 4 lane highway across it. Heck Mexico has our road system beat. Worst part as we all lived through 1 bridge can cripple us.. Want the ring of fire Dougie you better build a bloody road to support the traffic.

 

[MikeJr]

I will admit, there's been a LOT of construction, divided highway and increased lanes added since I moved here 5 years ago. I can't believe it's been that long already, wow.

Anyway they are working on it, but it's so many miles to widen, there's also the Canadian shield to dynamite to get the roads built. It's going to take more time still. Your drivers can report how nice certain stretches are and how dangerous certain parts are. In the end, more lanes and more lighting can save lives.

Keep well,
Mike