Increased speed limit on Highway 417 starts today

The Ontario government has launched its pilot project aimed at improving traffic flow on provincial highways. 

Three sections of highway in Ontario will see their speed limits increased from 100 km/hr to 110 km/hr starting Thursday. 

The affected routes include: 

• Highway 417 from one kilometre east of Anderson Road to one kilometre west the Ontario/Quebec border.
• Highway 402 from London to Sarnia
• Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) from St. Catherines to Hamilton

According to the province, these pilot sites were chosen because they required minimal to no upgrades and can handle a 110 km/hr speed limit. 

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has been working closely with the government in preparation for the pilot project and is expected to continue to monitor the changes to driving habits in these areas. 

Teresa Di Felice, AVP of Community and Government Relations with CAA, explained that drivers need to consider all factors when heading out on the road, no matter the speed limit. 

“Just because the speed limit has been raised to 110 km/hr in these pilot zones — if weather or some other factors mean that you can't go 110, that you wouldn't do so,” Di Felice explained. “You would adjust your driving habits according to the road and weather conditions.”  

Di Felice noted that CAA will be monitoring these spots to see if there are more collisions as a result of the pilot project. 

In preparation for the change, the Ministry of Transportation will be posting enhanced signs and safety messages along the affected areas to ensure everyone knows about the changes. 

The government is also looking for feedback on the changes and has launched an online survey.

It will be available until November 23.