Ontario has begun the Detail Design and Class EA process for improvements to the rest area at Hwy 17 approximately 1.3 km from the Manitoba border. As previously reported, over the past few years, OTA has stepped up its lobby efforts when it comes to truck parking across the province, which has led MTO to initiate a number of studies and concrete plans in this area.
For this specific project (Hwy 17 rest area approx. 1.3 km from the Manitoba border), MTO is looking at (1) adding truck parking spots (2) improving/ providing lighting (3) adding an additional entrance to the west (4) looking at improving traffic flow within the location, among others. For this project, OTA is looking for any comments OTA members may have. These could include either the design features that are currently being considered or any other features you would like to see considered. They could relate to the physical layout of the grounds, the building, the parking spaces or any other deign feature.
OTA views this project as a good first step in addressing rest facilities for drivers in Northwestern Ontario. It is expected over the course of the next year additional projects will be announced to address the truck parking issues step by step in other locations in Northern Ontario. OTA members with input on truck parking in Northern Ontario or on this project in particular, can provide specific details to operations&safety@ontruck.org
