INTRODUCTION
The proposed Highway 413 would come at serious financial costs. Experts have warned against the cumulative damages that this mega project would cause, yet the Ontario government continues to push it forward as the only solution to reducing traffic for truckers despite clear evidence to the contrary.
The redundant Highway 413 would be a four-to-six lane controlled-access highway that connects the existing 401 and the 407 ETR interchange at the Halton-Peel boundary to Highway 400 near Vaughan.
Eunomia Research and Consulting conducted research into alternative methods of reducing 401 congestion without the environmental impacts of building Highway 413. Their findings confirm that the alternative approach of subsidizing the toll for trucks on the 407 would address the key aim of reducing congestion on the 401 while eliminating the risk of negative environmental impacts.
Moving trucks to Highway 407 saves money, saves the Greenbelt from being paved, and reduces traffic for improved journey times.
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DOLLARS SAVEDMoving trucks to the 407 will cost $6B+ less than building Hwy 413
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GREENBELT ACRES PROTECTEDMoving trucks to the 407 will protect 400 acres of Greenbelt & 2,000 acres of prime farmland
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MINUTES LESS OF TRAVEL TIMEImprove journey times for truckers by approx. 80 mins
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TRUCKS OFF HWY 401Reduce congestion on Hwy 401 by 12,000-21,000 trucks/day
Key Findings
The 407 ETR is divided into four zones, each of which is subject to a varying toll. The toll for truckers is as much as $1.87 per km during peak hours, in peak directions, and at peak locations. This additional cost deters commercial use because shippers and receivers are not willing to pay the price, despite the associated time savings that would come from avoiding the congested 401.
The study examines the solution of making the 407 more accessible for truckers by subsidizing the toll. This is an approach that is anticipated to:
- Improve journey times for truckers;
- Reduce congestion on the 401;
- Save taxpayer dollars and enable the redistribution of Highway 413 funds to other projects; and
- Protect the Greenbelt, local wildlife, and prevent urban sprawl.
cONCLUSION
The construction of Highway 413 is a divisive issue. The Ontario government proposes that it will reduce travel times, reduce congestion, and create jobs. However, opponents highlight the environmental harm associated with its construction, the available alternative transportation solutions, and the potential to reallocate the multi billion dollar 413 construction and operation budget to other projects.
Considering the arguments for and against Highway 413, from a financial, practical, and environmental perspective, the solution is clear: subsidizing the toll on the 407 ETR is a preferable approach to constructing Highway 413. The solution will achieve the same goal of improving journey times for truckers and alleviating congestion on the 401, all while avoiding the very real negative financial and environmental impacts of the proposed Highway 413.
Let's take action!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Commissioned and edited by ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, with input from Transport Action Ontario. Based on original research by Lucy Eggleston, Kate Briggs, and Gavin Bailey, Eunomia Research and Consulting.
© Copyright October 2023 by ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE CANADA. Permission is granted to the public to reproduce or disseminate this report, in part, or in whole, free of charge, in any format or medium without requiring specific permission. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE CANADA.
