Introduction

There is a widespread notion that it might be a plan to upgrade all major highways in Canada to freeways. However, such a proposal would pose significant challenges. This article will explore the potential feasibility of this plan and provide an analysis of the current state of major highways in Canada.

Challenges and Considerations

The proposal to convert all major highways in Canada to freeways involves several major hurdles. One of the most significant issues is the limited availability of space along the current routes, which often serve as critical routes connecting farms to major cities. Building service plazas and widening roads to accommodate freeways would require extensive land use modifications, which can be particularly challenging in densely populated or agriculturally vital regions.

Another pressing concern is the integrated nature of these roads. Many of the current routes were not designed with high traffic volumes in mind, and the concept of upgrading all of them to freeways would be a formidable task, especially given the terrain and land constraints. This would essentially be a "run before you can walk" situation, where the infrastructure development needs to catch up with the traffic demands, a scenario that could lead to significant logistic and economic challenges.

Current State of Major Highways

Canada's major highways, particularly the Trans-Canada Highway, offer a comprehensive map of how the route spans the country from east to west. Until the mid-1960s, many of these routes were either non-existent or could only be used during certain seasons. Not until 1967 were the routes paved, allowing for year-round traffic. The Trans-Canada Highway, a subset of the broader network, saw significant development, but even today, several sections remain two-lane in character.

Let's delve into the current state of some key highways:

Trans-Canada Highway

Maritimes Route: Though partial sections incorporate modern freeways, the majority of these roads remain two-lane. Quebec Route: The Quebec to Montreal and Ottawa stretch is mostly freeway, but only part of the northern route from Montreal to Northern Ontario features freeways. Ontario Route: The route from Ottawa to Peterborough and onward to Sudbury is predominantly two-lane. Similarly, the stretch from North Bay to Thunder Bay and further north to Thunder Bay is two-lane. Prairie and Northern Routes: Many sections remain two-lane, with some being upgraded to four-lane divided highways. The route from Calgary to Vancouver is predominantly two-lane.

Upgrades and Improvements

While significant improvements have been made over the years, the only large-scale plans for upgrades focus on a section of the northern Ontario route, from North Bay to Thunder Bay via Highway 11. Although Highway 11 is mostly four-lane divided from Barrie to North Bay, this section is not part of the Trans-Canada system. North of North Bay, plans are in place to widen Highway 11 from two to three lanes, essentially adding alternating passing lanes to accommodate the heavy truck traffic.

Positive Developments

Some specific highways have seen significant improvements. For instance, Highway 17 from North Bay to Thunder Bay is now mostly four-lane divided, and the main route now bypasses central Sudbury. Similarly, a significant section of the southern prairie route, including Highway 400 to Parry Sound, is a modern freeway linking major cities and improving traffic flow. The work on Highway 69, particularly north of Sudbury, is ongoing, despite the challenging terrain that requires rock blasting and careful construction.

In conclusion, while the vision of upgrading all major highways to freeways in Canada is appealing, the practical realities present significant logistical, environmental, and economic challenges. A more realistic approach would be to focus on targeted upgrades where necessary, ensuring traffic safety, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability.