Traffic woes on Highway 17 have inspired some residents to start leaning on their elected officials.
With roadwork underway along a 14.7 kilometre stretch of the highway – from Sault Ste. Marie city limits to the Goulais River bridge – travellers have had to deal with lengthy delays to pass through the area.
On some days, that traffic has added an hour or more on to trips to and from the Sault.
In response to one resident’s concerns, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg’s office sympathized with travellers and said efforts are underway to improve wait times.
“We understand the frustration these delays are causing, especially for daily commuters travelling to the Sault every day for work, appointments and other reasons,” said Robin Horwath, a spokesperson for Rosenberg.
“MTO is monitoring and trying to improve on the wait times. MTO and Pioneer Construction are trying their best to decrease the wait times in both directions.”
The letter said Rosenberg has experienced the same delays when travelling to meetings with constituents.
Some community members have posted on social media to ask why the construction isn't being done at night to minimize the impact on commuters, or being done 24 hours a day to be completed in half the time.
“We understand that many travellers are questioning why this work is not being done during the night or 24 hours a day as the construction season would allow; however, the ongoing work is very extensive and the delays at times are necessary to carry out the work,” Horwath said.
Another resident reached out to Sault Ste. Marie MPP Chris Scott’s office, raising concerns about travel between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa.
“MPP Scott has consistently raised the need for improvements to northern highways with the Minister of Transportation and will continue to advocate for long-term, sustainable infrastructure investments—including safety enhancements and flood mitigation measures—that address the unique challenges in our region,” said Chika Omabuike, a spokesperson for Scott, in a letter to the resident.
Omabuike asked residents to “share specific examples and data” of impacts in the area.
“With your permission, we can forward your email to the Minister of Transportation’s office so they are aware of your firsthand experiences and the urgency of the situation.”
Feedback can be emailed to Scott here or Rosenberg here.
The two-year project includes repaving, construction of fully paved shoulders and a new southbound left-turn lane at the commercial entrance on Highway 17 near Goulais River, along with improvements planned to drainage, guide rails and the Root River culverts.
Travellers can visit 511 for updates on work and traffic impacts.
– with files from Kenneth Armstrong