Ontario looking for design proposals for Hwy. 11 pilot project

Province unveils Highway 11 pilot project Ontario Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney announced a proposed new highway model between between North Bay and Temiskaming Shores.

Eleven months after announcing a ‘first of its kind in North America’ road project in northeastern Ontario, the province is asking for design proposals for the 2+1 pilot on Highway 11.

The province said the proposed new three-lane highway will make the road safer and improve traffic flow by having a centre passing lane that changes direction about every two to five kilometres.

This model “is used in other jurisdictions around the world and is more cost-efficient than twinning a highway” and will be the first time it is used in North America, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) said.

“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,” MTO Minister Caroline Mulroney said in a news release.

Proposals for design and environmental assessment work are being accepted online from qualified highway design consultants until Jan. 18.

Two potential locations north of North Bay have been identified for the project.

“While both sites will be assessed, the design and environmental assessment for Highway 11 from Sand Dam Road to Ellesmere Road (14 kilometres) will be prioritized,” the MTO said.

The alternate location is 16.3 kilometres between the Highway 64 interchange and Jumping Caribou Road.

“Improving highway safety continues to be the primary topic of conversation among many communities in northern Ontario, especially as we head into winter. The 2+1 pilot project is one way to make our roads and highways safer for everyone and I am so pleased that Minister Mulroney and the Ontario government are moving ahead,” said Danny Whalen, a Temiskaming Shores city councillor and the president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.

The delivery date listed on the proposal is May 16, 2025.

Read more on the province’s draft transportation plan for the north here.