Topic: Ontario's Highways (Read 270605 times)

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #950 on:** November 05, 2017, 08:03:25 AM »

^ I would imagine that the 407 will open in a couple of weeks. Probably really late in November, or really early in December would be my guess.

There hasn't been any announcements about whether or not there will be a toll-free period yet. For Phase 1 of the project, there were toll gantries at the western portion of the project which made having a toll free period much simpler. Traffic heading east from the 407 ETR would pass under a toll gantry approaching Brock Road to terminate their trip on the ETR portion of the highway, and then would pass under another gantry to begin their trip on the provincially owned section. That isn't true for the extension beyond Harmony, as there are no gantries between Phase 1 and Phase 2A. It's probably not impossible to have a toll-free period, it just won't be as easy to do.

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #951 on:** November 29, 2017, 10:10:12 PM »

Some photos of the eastern end of Phase 2A of the 407 Extension. The highway is starting to look very much like a highway. Work was underway to install the expansion joints at various bridges, final grading work at ditches, landscaping, and sign installation. That said, I think there is at least a week's worth of work remaining (maybe more).

Views looking west and east from Solina Road, just west of the Hwy 418 interchange:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_cl_133_west_EB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_cl_133_west_WB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_cl_133_east_EB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_cl_133_east_WB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

Views looking north and then south from Taunton Road along the future 418. The 407 will end temporarily at a loop ramp to Taunton Road. This is a very unusual configuration for the end of a freeway. I am hoping that additional positive guidance is installed for eastbound motorists in advance of what will be a very tight curve at the start of the loop ramp. I expect this terminus will have an elevated collision rate vs. a more typical configuration.

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/418_cl_11_north_c_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/418_cl_11_north_NB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/418_cl_11_south_SB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/418_cl_11_south_NB_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #952 on:** November 29, 2017, 10:11:00 PM »

Some views of the 401/418 interchange. In recent weeks, work has been underway to erect the steel beams overtop of the 401 for the future bridges. There have been regular overnight closures for the last week of November, with more scheduled for early December:

Driving east:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/401_dv_425-75_east_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/401_dv_426_east_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/401_dv_426-25_east_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

Driving west:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/401_dv_426-5_west_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/401_dv_426-25_west_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/401_dv_426_west_Nov29-17_24x16.jpg

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #953 on:** December 02, 2017, 10:25:37 AM »

Some photos of Highway 410 in the western end of the GTA. Earlier this week, the Courtneypark Road interchange was reconfigured, and an additional general purpose lane was added in each direction between the 401 and Queen Street (formerly Highway 7-East):

A new subcollector was constructed (though is not finished) separating incoming traffic from the 401 ramps and traffic bound for Courtneypark from traffic entering the 410 from the 403:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_dv_0-25_north_Nov17_24x16.jpg

Three views looking southerly from Courtneypark:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_cl_2_south_SB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_cl_2_south_C_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_cl_2_south_NB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

Looking north from Courtneypark:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_cl_2_north_NB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

Southerly view from Derry:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_cl_5_south_SB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

Northerly view from Derry:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_410-427_images/Contracts/2014-2026/2017/11-Nov/410_cl_5_north_NB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #954 on:** December 05, 2017, 10:51:42 AM »

Design and Construction Report #1 was just finalized for the 427 extension project. It can be accessed here:

http://427expansion.ca/wp/consultation/design-and-construction-report-dcr-1/

There are some drawings towards the end of the document. To be honest, they aren't that interesting, as they are just for clearing and grubbing, and some advanced pre-loading work, but I figured I'd post the link anyways.

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #955 on:** December 16, 2017, 06:08:23 PM »

Some recent views of the 401 widening in Cambridge:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_dv_278-9_east_ramp_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_279_west_EB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_279_west_C_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_279_east_C_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_279_east_EB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_281_west_C_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_281_west_WB_t_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_281_east_C_Nov17_24x16.jpg

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_401_images/Contracts/2014-3014/2017/11-Nov/401_cl_281_east_EB_Nov17_24x16.jpg

J N Winkler · « **Reply #956 on:** December 16, 2017, 09:47:32 PM »

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on December 05, 2017, 10:51:42 AM

Design and Construction Report #1 was just finalized for the 427 extension project. It can be accessed here:

http://427expansion.ca/wp/consultation/design-and-construction-report-dcr-1/

There are some drawings towards the end of the document. To be honest, they aren't that interesting, as they are just for clearing and grubbing, and some advanced pre-loading work, but I figured I'd post the link anyways.

Do the project managers plan to continue the series far enough to show traffic design details, such as striping, signing, illumination, and so on?

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #957 on:** December 17, 2017, 09:17:23 AM »

^ I would imagine there will be more details shown, but probably not specifically the signing and striping.

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #958 on:** January 02, 2018, 05:55:25 PM »

Part 2A of the 407 extension opened today:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_dv_134_east_Jan18_24x16.jpg

jakeroot · « **Reply #959 on:** January 03, 2018, 12:13:02 AM »

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 02, 2018, 05:55:25 PM

Part 2A of the 407 extension opened today:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_dv_134_east_Jan18.jpg

Is the "highway ends .... reduce speed" sign pretty common in Ontario? Seems rather conservative. 80's already pretty slow. How much more do I need to slow down? Still another 3 kms to go.

cbeach40 · « **Reply #960 on:** January 03, 2018, 10:06:39 AM »

Quote from: jakeroot on January 03, 2018, 12:13:02 AM

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 02, 2018, 05:55:25 PM
Part 2A of the 407 extension opened today:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_dv_134_east_Jan18.jpg

Is the "highway ends .... reduce speed" sign pretty common in Ontario? Seems rather conservative. 80's already pretty slow. How much more do I need to slow down? Still another 3 kms to go.

1. It's approaching a stop condition with probable queuing. Drivers should be preparing to stop.
2. I sincerely doubt you'll see anyone driving 80 there.

jakeroot · « **Reply #961 on:** January 03, 2018, 04:03:58 PM »

Quote from: cbeach40 on January 03, 2018, 10:06:39 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 03, 2018, 12:13:02 AM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 02, 2018, 05:55:25 PM
Part 2A of the 407 extension opened today:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_dv_134_east_Jan18.jpg

Is the "highway ends .... reduce speed" sign pretty common in Ontario? Seems rather conservative. 80's already pretty slow. How much more do I need to slow down? Still another 3 kms to go.

1. It's approaching a stop condition with probable queuing. Drivers should be preparing to stop.
2. I sincerely doubt you'll see anyone driving 80 there.

With number 1, wouldn't overzealous warnings result in a mix of driver speeds? As in, some slowing for the stop (because they see the 'reduce speed' sign), some continuing [legally] at 80, etc.

With number 2, I don't see why people wouldn't be going 80. I assume the design speed for everything except the loops at Taunton Road is at least 100 (if not more). Why not have a 100 limit throughout the length of the freeway, with an advisory 70 or 60 sign at the curves?

Just seems kind of "nanny state" to me. That said, if this is all normal procedure for the MTO, by all means.

rickmastfan67 · « **Reply #962 on:** January 03, 2018, 11:42:44 PM »

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 02, 2018, 05:55:25 PM

Part 2A of the 407 extension opened today:

http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/hwy_407-409_images/407_dv_134_east_Jan18_24x16.jpg

What are the new exit numbers so I can update the 407 file for TM.

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #963 on:** January 04, 2018, 07:59:49 AM »

^ The exit numbers are as follows:
Endfield Road is signed as 132
The 418 interchange is unnumberd (traffic doesn't have a choice, but to navigate the 80km/h off-ramp)
Taunton Road is signed as 8

Although Hwy 418 is technically open between the 407 interchange and Taunton Road, there are no signs that correspond to Hwy 418.

rickmastfan67 · « **Reply #964 on:** January 04, 2018, 08:26:05 AM »

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 04, 2018, 07:59:49 AM

Although Hwy 418 is technically open between the 407 interchange and Taunton Road, there are no signs that correspond to Hwy 418.

No KMs on the short distance of 418 with shields? And all signs @ Taunton Road mention only 407? I might 'temporarily' extend 407 down 418 in this case. BTW, what do you think the exit number for 418 might be in the future?

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #965 on:** January 04, 2018, 09:36:11 AM »

There is no mention or any indication at Taunton Road that that section of highway is part of the 418. Even the entrance signs for the highway sign it as "407 Toll West" and not as "To 407 Toll West" as I had expected. If I were you, I'd probably leave the entire highway as the 407 for now and then redefine it later once more of it opens up.

I'd expect the 418 interchange to be exit 135 (though 136 isn't impossible either) from the 407, and exit 9 from the 418.

andrepoiy · « **Reply #966 on:** January 04, 2018, 06:16:33 PM »

Interesting. Sadly, I never go to the east side of the GTA, so I rarely get to see all this...

rickmastfan67 · « **Reply #967 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:15:29 AM »

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 04, 2018, 09:36:11 AM

There is no mention or any indication at Taunton Road that that section of highway is part of the 418. Even the entrance signs for the highway sign it as "407 Toll West" and not as "To 407 Toll West" as I had expected. If I were you, I'd probably leave the entire highway as the 407 for now and then redefine it later once more of it opens up.

I'd expect the 418 interchange to be exit 135 (though 136 isn't impossible either) from the 407, and exit 9 from the 418.

Well, since we know that 418 will be a posted route once a tad more opens up, I went ahead and added it as a separate segment from the 407.
http://tm.teresco.org/hb/?units=miles&r=on.on407
http://tm.teresco.org/hb/?units=miles&r=on.on418

cbeach40 · « **Reply #968 on:** January 10, 2018, 09:58:24 AM »

Quote from: jakeroot on January 03, 2018, 04:03:58 PM

With number 1, wouldn't overzealous warnings result in a mix of driver speeds? As in, some slowing for the stop (because they see the 'reduce speed' sign), some continuing [legally] at 80, etc.

With number 2, I don't see why people wouldn't be going 80. I assume the design speed for everything except the loops at Taunton Road is at least 100 (if not more). Why not have a 100 limit throughout the length of the freeway, with an advisory 70 or 60 sign at the curves?

Just seems kind of "nanny state" to me. That said, if this is all normal procedure for the MTO, by all means.

People won't be going 80 because they'll be coming out of a stretch of freeway. Looking at the drawings, a limit of 80 km/h is appropriate for that curve onto the future 418 alignment (because of course the 407 consortium would design to the barest of minimums *sigh*). The purpose of that sign is to try to get people down to or at least closer to 80, to eliminate that speed differential.

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #969 on:** January 10, 2018, 10:43:59 AM »

^ While I understand and don't disagree with the spirit of the post that you are trying to make. A posted 80km/h advisory speed on a freeway to freeway ramp doesn't seem like a design-build consortium "cheaping out" on design criteria. In fact, the ramps that have opened as part of the 407 extension have been consistently some of the fastest freeway to freeway ramps in Ontario.

jakeroot · « **Reply #970 on:** January 10, 2018, 12:28:04 PM »

I don't mind 80. I just wish it were an advisory limit. A 100 limit, with advisory limits for the curves, are how most freeways are signed in the US (even those that are incomplete).

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #971 on:** January 11, 2018, 03:11:58 PM »

A project website for the new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph has been set up:

http://newhighway7.ca/

Not really much there in terms of content yet, but I thought I'd share anyways.

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #972 on:** January 14, 2018, 12:27:07 PM »

Quote from: jakeroot on January 10, 2018, 12:28:04 PM

I don't mind 80. I just wish it were an advisory limit. A 100 limit, with advisory limits for the curves, are how most freeways are signed in the US (even those that are incomplete).

jakeroot · « **Reply #973 on:** January 14, 2018, 06:40:44 PM »

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 14, 2018, 12:27:07 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 10, 2018, 12:28:04 PM
I don't mind 80. I just wish it were an advisory limit. A 100 limit, with advisory limits for the curves, are how most freeways are signed in the US (even those that are incomplete).

I wasn't going to bother... but here are a bunch of examples of speed limit step down before the end of a freeway from jurisdictions that aren't Ontario:

I appreciate you going to such great lengths to find those examples, but that's not exactly what I was getting at. I would say that it's more normal than not to lower a freeway's speed limit a short distance before the end of the road. But it wouldn't be normal for a speed limit to drop for other factors, such as bends. If the speed limit must drop, 80 would be fine. But it should be no more than a kilometer before the Taunton Road cloverleaf.

Coming from Taunton Road, what's the speed limit on the 407 (or 418)? If the limit was lowered going EB because of the curve (in addition to the ending of the freeway), the limit should also be 80 until km-marker 134 (or at least until after the flyover).

AsphaltPlanet · « **Reply #974 on:** January 14, 2018, 07:17:49 PM »

Going the other way the speed limit is 100, with an 80km/h advsory speed through the interchange -- much like this will be once the rest of the freeway networks open.

The reason that I posted all of those examples is that I found it annoying that you purported that there was somehow something wrong with how speed limit drop was managed without:
(a) actually seeing the interchange configuration; or
(b) being a traffic engineer.

I've not designed a freeway terminus either, but I've seen enough of them to know that what has been designed here is within the realm or normalcy in both Ontario and other locales in North America.

News:

Author Topic: Ontario's Highways (Read 270605 times)