The Ontario government is launching three speed limit pilots on select highways to explore new ways to improve traffic flow on provincial highways.

Today, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, announced that on September 26, 2019, the highway speed limit will change from 100 km/h to 110 km/h along three sections of highways in Southern Ontario:

Highway 402 from London to Sarnia (90 km);
Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) from St. Catharines/Lincoln to Hamilton (32 km); and
Highway 417 from Ottawa/Gloucester to Ontario/Quebec border (102 km).

The Ontario government is also launching online consultations to obtain the public's feedback on the speed limit pilots. The information will help inform decisions related to increased speed limits and will be considered in the final decision-making process. Ontarians can share their feedback by completing an online survey by November 23, 2019.

"Our government puts people first in every decision we make," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "That's why we want to hear first-hand from those who rely on our roads about how we can safely modernize our highways to better fit the needs of the people."

The MTO will increase its safety messaging and enhance signage to ensure motorists are aware of where speed limits are changing. The three pilot sites were chosen because they require minimal to no upgrades, have an average interchange spacing of 3km or greater and can handle a 110 km/h speed limit. There are currently six other provinces in Canada that have posted speed limits of 110 km/h or higher on some highways. Ontario’s highways are among the safest in North America. Ontario has ranked the lowest or second lowest in fatality rates among all jurisdictions for 18 consecutive years.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Ontario Launches Speed Limit Pilots on Sections of Three Highways in Southern Ontario

source: media release