Safety on Highway 17 remains a top priority, especially for many of those travelling between Deep River and Arnprior.
For many years, Highway 17 has slowly been expanding from 2 lanes to four lanes. This has been happening to help make the road more safe.
Earlier this summer, the Ontario Government officially announced that the design contract would be awarded in the fall of this year (2026). In fact, the government has made many more announcements over the years about the expansion of Highway 17. The first announcement was made in 2017, then again in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Over that same time period, only a single overpass has been constructed (see the 2023 announcement).
Of course, construction does take a long time. In fact, for this project that was just approved, the work itself is structured as five individual projects. The project is expected to take until 2038 to complete. This gives the government lots of time to make more announcements about how they’re going to expand Highway 17.
I am genuinely grateful that this project remains on the government’s radar, especially as there are so many highways that need safety improvements across Ontario. Highway 17 is just one of the many roads that need assistance. Our municipal and provincial representatives deserve credit for continuing to advocate for the this important project, one that must compete for funding alongside larger infrastructure initiatives serving other areas.
The Cost of Delays
Unfortunately there is a deadly cost to all the delays and long time line.
We are only half way through 2026 and there have already been 7 deaths on Highway 17. I would think it is safe to assume that even more accident victims have sustained serious injuries.
Recently, one family that lost a loved one called on the Province to make certain safety improvements to the highway while we wait for twinning. Now, twinning the highway won’t solve all the problems, but the fact is that when folks are travelling in the same direction, the relative velocity of any collision is much lower:
Whether two vehicles hit head on at 110 km/hr or 220 km/hr, the injuries are still extensive. If the vehicles are heading the same direction, the relative velocities are much lower (even if each vehicle is going fast). Collisions with lower relative velocities typically have lower risk for serious injury (although it is definitely still possible.)
The highway’s twinning can’t come soon enough. Right now, safety improvements should be prioritized. Just like anywhere else, we encourage everyone driving on Highway 17 to drive with caution.
We can help victims of Highway 17 accidents
At Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers, we’ve represented many victims of accidents on Highway 17 and their families over the years.
If you’ve been seriously injured, or have a family member that’s been seriously injured or killed in a car Highway 17, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers we are familiar with Highway 17. With offices in Pembroke, Ottawa, and Carleton Place, we drive it regularly ourselves.
If you’ve suffered a serious injury or lost a love one because of Highway 17, give us a call today for a free consultation. We would be pleased to assist, even if nothing more than to go over your legal rights so you understand your options.
