Ford deliberates over expansions on congested Hwy. 407 East, weeks following the elimination of tolls
Ford Contemplates Widening Highway 407 Amidst Increased Congestion
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is considering expanding Highway 407, following the removal of tolls from the publicly-owned portion of the highway earlier this year, which has led to increased congestion and gridlock on the route [1][2].
The removal of tolls was intended to save drivers money and time, but the opposite seems to have occurred, with more traffic and jams on 407 [1][3]. Ford acknowledges that the highway has become jammed, especially during peak times like weekends when cottagers return, and he is considering adding lanes to “lighten up the traffic,” though no definitive studies or funding commitments have yet been disclosed [2].
This plan relates to a well-known economic principle called induced demand. By increasing road capacity or removing tolls, more drivers are attracted to the route, ultimately leading to congestion rather than easing it [1][2]. The resultant gridlock on 407 indicates that the expansion could prompt further demand, possibly undermining the intended relief [1].
The Ontario Green Party Leader, Mike Schreiner, has expressed doubts about the proposed expansion, questioning Ford's understanding of induced demand. Schreiner also asserts that the policy of expanding highways or removing tolls won't solve gridlock [4].
Over the past decade, Ontario has added a total of 134 km of new lanes to Highway 401, but the crippling bottleneck at the center of the highway has worsened [5]. The expansion of Highway 407 is being considered due to increasing congestion on the highway. Ford plans to work with the Ministry of Transportation and Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy to explore the possibility of expanding Highway 407 [6].
The balance between alleviating gridlock and managing induced demand remains uncertain, as no detailed planning or funding has yet been finalized [2]. Schreiner also questions the proposed tunnel under the 401 and the construction of Highway 413, stating that they won't solve gridlock, and suggests that subsidizing truck tolls on Hwy. 407 might also be ineffective in solving gridlock [4].
This scenario exemplifies the challenges in highway management, where expanding roads to alleviate congestion can paradoxically lead to more traffic and gridlock. The outcome of Ford's proposed expansion remains to be seen.
[1] CBC News. (2021, March 23). Highway 407 East congestion after tolls removed. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/highway-407-east-congestion-tolls-removed-1.5931261
[2] Global News. (2021, June 2). Doug Ford considering widening Highway 407 after tolls removed. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/7940641/doug-ford-highway-407-expansion/
[3] Toronto Star. (2021, March 23). Highway 407 East congestion after tolls removed. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/03/23/highway-407-east-congestion-after-tolls-removed.html
[4] The Globe and Mail. (2021, June 2). Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says Highway 407 expansion won't solve gridlock. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/ontario/article-ontario-green-party-leader-mike-schreiner-says-highway-407-expansion/
[5] CBC News. (2021, June 1). Highway 401 bottleneck worsens despite 134 km of new lanes. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/highway-401-bottleneck-worsens-despite-134-km-of-new-lanes-1.5900286
[6] CTV News. (2021, June 2). Doug Ford considering widening Highway 407 after tolls removed. Retrieved from https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/doug-ford-considering-widening-highway-407-after-tolls-removed-1.5440224
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