May 25, 2026: Temporary measures to improve traffic on Highway 417 and surrounding communities

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on construction activities in the centre median on Highway 417 near the Pinecrest Road overpass.

Currently, crews are installing a foundation for an overhead highway sign on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). This activity is being undertaken on behalf of the Province by the City’s Stage 2 West Extension contractor, as the construction of the LRT tunnel in the area impacted the original highway sign.   

To complete this work safely, a lane shift is in place eastbound. Westbound, a lane reduction and additional travel lane are in place after the westbound on-ramp at Woodroffe Avenue. These changes have caused significant traffic congestion on the 417, particularly for motorists travelling west. 

We recognize the inconvenience this has caused for commuters and nearby communities who have faced increases in cut-through traffic. I would like to acknowledge and apologize for the short notice that was provided on the implementation of these changes. The 417 is an important link across our city, and the Rail Construction Program (RCP) takes seriously any activities that effect motorists and commute times on the highway. 

The City and project team explored a range of alternative signage designs and traffic management approaches to reduce impacts to motorists on Highway 417. The current configuration, including the westbound lane closure and eastbound lane shift were coordinated and approved by the MTO. 

Recognizing the significance of these impacts, staff in RCP, as well as Infrastructure and Water Services Department (IWSD) and third-party highway construction experts, Stantec, have carefully examined all available options to accelerate the work schedule. The contractor will now work extended hours, including evenings and weekends. There may be some short periods where there will be little to no work on site to allow for specific activities, like concrete curing. Through this review, we have expedited the work to advance the completion and restoration of all traffic lanes from the original date of July 28 to July 6, three weeks ahead of schedule. 

Staff will closely monitor progress and look for opportunities to continue to accelerate the schedule further.  

In addition, RCP is reviewing all other planned activities in the 417 corridor and nearby communities over the next six weeks and will adjust or reschedule any works to avoid additional impacts to the highway. Changes to planned works in other locations will be communicated on the project website.  

Addressing local area and highway traffic impacts 

We recognize that nearby communities have seen significant increases in traffic congestion and cut-through traffic, and we are working with City partners to review and implement a number of additional measures to address residents’ concerns.  

On Friday, May 22, the bus-only westbound 417 on-ramp at Woodroffe Avenue was modified to allow cars to use it as a dedicated highway access lane. The ramp is now open and will help to improve traffic flow on the on-ramp and provide additional capacity for highway traffic, reducing delays on the City’s surrounding roadway network.  

In addition, the City’s Traffic Services team is optimizing and adjusting traffic signal timing on arterial roads in the surrounding areas to keep motorists moving and reduce impacts on local streets. A number of additional measures are also currently being investigated that will help to further alleviate traffic concerns in neighbourhoods, including: 

• Police presence during peak periods beginning this week 
• Installation of additional signage 
• Advancing the implementation of planned traffic calming measures on local streets 
• A review of opportunities for additional traffic calming measures, for instance flex stakes 

Staff continue to monitor conditions closely and make adjustments where possible. The City will continue to update residents, Councillors, and partners about ongoing traffic impacts on Highway 417. Updates are available on the project webpage.  

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact me directly at [Personal information redacted.]