Speed increased on part of Hwy 417

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By Nick Seebruch
Speed increased on part of Hwy 417

ONTARIO – The Ontario government launched a pilot program on Thursday, Sept. 26 to increase the maximum speed on part of Hwy 417.

From the Gloucester region outside of Ottawa to the Quebec border, a range of around 102 km, the speed limit has been raised to 110 km/h.

The speed limit is also being raised on Hwy 402 near Sarnia and on the Queensway between St. Catherines and Hamilton.

“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,” the Ontario Ministry of Transportation said in a statement.

The province has also launched an online survey to receive feedback from the public during this pilot program. Members of the public have until Nov. 23 to respond to the survey.

“The government values what the public will say about their driving experience in a 110-km/h environment. This will help us to come to the best decision while reflecting that public safety is the number one priority,” said Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry Progressive Conservative MPP Jim McDonell.

The Ontario Safety League endorsed the pilot program.

“The Ontario Safety League traditionally bases their position on science, and the science tells us that although excessive speed is a factor in many crashes, under normal driving conditions and with reasonable driving attention it would have virtually no impact,” said Brian Patterson, President and CEO of the Ontario Safety League.

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