Quote:
Originally Posted by White Pine
I have to say, I would be a bit sad if they twinned that highway (17 from Sault to Nipigon). There's so much scenery there that it would be a shame to blast through it, especially considering how wide the divided highway ROW's are. Is there any real problem with the status quo? Not enough capacity? Not enough passing lanes? Safety issues? Detour problems (I suppose this one is probably a big one). I wouldn't want to stand in the way of something that's really needed, but I don't think we need to do it for the sake of twinning itself.
I have to say, I used to do Pembroke-North Bay quite often, and the Mattawa-North Bay portion was surprisingly nice to drive on as there are quite a few passing lanes. Not so much towards Deep River, but you get one good chance to pass trucks on a big hill where they're going like 40 by the time they get to the top.
That being said, there are a couple of problem intersections (particularly the Corbeil turnoff) that are in need of some attention due to vehicle volume. Apparently the local governments have convinced MTO to fix it... with traffic lights. Meanwhile in Renfrew, some work has begun with planning the Arnprior-Renfrew segment of the 417, which could really solve a lot of problem intersections, especially Calabogie Rd (although there's a village or something right at that intersection which might make things a bit tight).
In any case, my opinion is that the main priorities are:
Arnprior-Petawawa (or maybe Chalk River)
North Bay-Sudbury
Sudbury-Sault? Don't know, haven't been there since I was like 10, but as an outsider there would seem to be a case for it
|
What the, passing while going up the hill? That's a bit dangerous...
I thought it was only a flashing yellow beacon at the intersection of 17/94, though. Then again, I was driving at 10:45 pm on a Saturday under extreme fatigue, so what do I think I would have noticed, besides dimly marked OPP hiding beside the rock to catch people going 90~100 in a 70 zone (500 meters east of 11/17 interchange)...
IMO the twinning should go all the way to North Bay instead of stopping at Petawawa. Yes I know that many will tell me the aadt is as low as 2900, but here's the thing: the railway is
gone south of Matawa. We need a proper freeway to move goods around. Then, once you get to Matawa, you might as well continue to North Bay.
As for the portion between SSM and Nipigon, I would say this: Don't blast the rocks for another 2 lanes unless
(1) there's compelling evidence that doing so will consistently bring a lot more tourists year round, and
(2) we know how to winter-prove that segment of 17 because it's too winter-prone at the moment.
OPP NW has tweeted some insane pictures on its condition around Marathon, and, mind you, that part apparently has 4 lanes, just undivided.
Tbh, if I were allowed to revote, I would have voted 11 instead just because it's a lot cheaper to do, and also because it opens up the roadway (or gateway) to the far north.
Only if those who voted for 17 would care to give a rationale...