Ford Rejects Truck Toll Subsidies, Plans Highway Upgrades

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has dismissed the idea of subsidizing tolls for trucks on Highway 407, emphasizing that such a move would lead to significant traffic congestion. His comments follow a report from Global News that revealed his office had directed civil servants to examine policies aimed at alleviating congestion on the heavily trafficked Highway 401. The news comes as Ford faces increased scrutiny regarding traffic management on Ontario’s roadways.

In internal communications obtained through freedom of information laws, it was indicated that civil servants were instructed to “brainstorm and explore” options to divert commercial truck traffic from Highway 401 to the privately operated Highway 407. This toll road, which has historically operated smoothly, was sold on a 99-year lease at the beginning of the century. Ford explained the potential downsides of such a policy, stating, “We talked to the trucking association, and the problem was that when you put trucks on there, and when they all get off at the same exit, there’s going to be a lineup … from here to Timbuktu.”

Ford acknowledged the challenges arising from recent toll removals on the publicly owned section of Highway 407. He noted that traffic has increased significantly since tolls were eliminated, particularly on weekends. “Since we’ve taken the tolls off, I know on the weekends, it gets pretty busy where it’s not tolled,” he said. This acknowledgment raises questions about future traffic management strategies on the roadways.

In a related announcement, Ford confirmed that construction on Highway 413, a long-promised project aimed at linking Milton and Vaughan, will begin in the upcoming months. Specific details, including costs and completion timelines, remain undisclosed as the project progresses. The government recently awarded construction contracts for upgrades to Highway 10 in Caledon and the 401/407 interchange in Mississauga.

In addition to these developments, Ford revealed plans to adjust the alignment of Highway 413 to accommodate a Canadian developer’s request. This change aims to protect a proposed housing project from being disrupted by the highway’s construction. Ford characterized the decision as “common sense,” reflecting his administration’s responsiveness to local development needs.

As Ontario grapples with pressing transportation issues, the government’s approach to tolls and highway construction will be closely monitored. The challenges of managing congestion on vital routes like Highway 401 pose ongoing obstacles for the Ford administration, prompting discussions about future infrastructure investments and policies.