Ontario is moving ahead with new transportation infrastructure in northern Ontario, replacing the truck inspection station in Hearst and adding 14 kilometres of passing lanes along Highway 11 as the province looks to strengthen commercial vehicle enforcement and improve traffic flow on a key trade corridor.
The provincial government said the projects are intended to improve safety for passenger and commercial vehicles while supporting the movement of goods between northern communities and other parts of Canada. Highway 11 serves as an important transportation link for businesses, residents and trucking operators across the region.
Hearst Truck Inspection Station Targeted for December Completion
Work on the Hearst truck inspection station includes demolishing the existing structure, replacing the scale and constructing a new pre-engineered building. Demolition is already underway, with the overall project expected to be completed in December 2026.
Villeneuve Construction has been awarded the contract to replace the facility.
“Keeping northern highways safe and reliable is a priority for our government,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why we’re building the infrastructure needed to protect drivers and support economic growth. The new inspection station will be a game changer for strengthening commercial vehicle enforcement, while new passing lanes will improve traffic flow, and support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across northern Ontario.”
Ontario currently operates 35 truck inspection stations, including several that operate around the clock. The province is also conducting a commercial vehicle enforcement initiative and vehicle safety blitz across northern Ontario to check compliance with commercial vehicle safety requirements.
In 2024, Ontario opened a $30-million commercial vehicle inspection facility on Highway 11/17 in Thunder Bay.
Fourteen Kilometres of Passing Lanes Planned Along Highway 11
The province is also adding 14 kilometres of passing lanes near Benoit Township, Calder Township, Gill Township, Grenfill Township and Kendrey Township.
The lanes are designed to provide safer opportunities for faster-moving vehicles to pass slower traffic, with the government saying the improvements should help reduce collision risks and improve traffic flow.
“Highway safety in northern Ontario is a top priority for our government. That is why we are making investments that will help keep drivers safe today and well into the future,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By adding new passing lanes and replacing the inspection station in Hearst, our government is improving safety for passenger and commercial vehicles along Highway 11. This vital corridor supports the movement of people and goods across northern Ontario and connects communities throughout the province and the country.”
The economic importance of Ontario’s highway network is substantial. According to the province, truck drivers transport an estimated $3 billion worth of goods on provincial highways every day.
Northern Municipal and Trucking Groups Back Highway Investments
Several municipal and trucking organizations welcomed the projects while calling for continued investment in northern transportation infrastructure.
“The new passing lanes and replacement of the Hearst truck inspection station are welcome investments that will help improve safety and traffic flow along Highway 11. NOMA appreciates the province’s continued focus on commercial vehicle enforcement and safer travel across Northern Ontario. As these improvements move forward, we will continue working with the province toward the long-term goal of expanding and twinning Highways 11 and 17 wherever possible.” said Rick Dumas, President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.
“The new truck inspection station in Hearst and additional passing lanes are welcome investments for the people and businesses that rely on Highway 11 every day. Stronger enforcement and safer opportunities to pass will benefit northern communities and help keep goods moving. Investments like these also support the broader work ahead: four-laning Highways 11 and 17 to give Northern Ontario the safe, reliable transportation network it needs for the future.” said Dave Plourde, President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.
Stephen Laskowski, President & CEO of the Ontario Trucking Association, said the projects complement other commercial vehicle enforcement measures in northern Ontario, including planned 24-hour operations at the Thunder Bay scale.
Industry Groups Highlight Highway 11’s Supply Chain Role
Canada Truck Operators Association Director of Government & Public Affairs Tejpreet Dulat described Highway 11 as an economic lifeline for communities and Canada’s supply chain, saying the new infrastructure could support enforcement while helping essential goods continue moving through the region.
Shelley Walker, CEO of Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, also highlighted the importance of improving safety for both professional drivers and the broader motoring public.
“Improving commercial vehicle safety in northern Ontario is essential for protecting both the motoring public in the communities we serve and the professional drivers who transit across the Trans Canada Highway. Replacing the Hearst inspection station and expanding passing lanes in 5 townships on Highway 11 strengthens the infrastructure our industry relies on every day. These investments support safer roads, stronger enforcement and a more efficient transportation network for everyone.” said Walker.
The Hearst inspection station and Highway 11 passing-lane projects form part of Ontario’s broader effort to strengthen commercial transportation infrastructure in the north, where long distances and heavy reliance on highways make road safety and efficient freight movement particularly important.