The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has designs on delivering some much-needed relief to travellers on Highway 17.
The site of the White River Bar & Grill, at the junction of the Highway 17 and 631 (the highway to Hornepayne and Hearst) is the preferred location of highway rest centre.
Integrated with the restaurant, the rest stop will have 24-hour heated washrooms with potable water, flush toilets, phone-charging outlets, picnic area and parking for passenger vehicles and transport trucks.
The MTO said the site was chosen for these reasons:
• High visibility to the travelling public and proximity to local landmarks
• Strong sightlines and location within the built-up area near the Highway 17/631 intersection
• Shortest anticipated construction timeline
• Flat topography, simplifying construction
• Existing access to hydro and telecommunications infrastructure
• Connection to municipal water and sanitary services
• Most cost-effective option overall
The preliminary design and environmental study can be viewed here. It’s available for public review up to Aug. 17.
The MTO has a process underway to place five rest stops across northeastern Ontario, including Opasatika/Kapuskasing on Highway 11, near Dubreuilville on Highways 11/519, Wawa, and Chapleau at Highways 101/129.
