RENFREW COUNTY – Those who regularly travel west from West Carleton on Highway 417 got good news yesterday (July 11).

The Ontario government has announced the continued twinning of Highway 17 as 22.5 more kilometres or roadway will be expanded to four lanes – from roughly Scheel Drive, west of Arnprior to just past Renfrew.

Renfrew-Nippissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski made the announcement Thursday, on behalf of the Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney.

In a video filmed at the O’Brien Road intersection, Yakabuski announced “I was thrilled today (July 10) to announce our government is moving forward with twinning Hwy 17 from Arnprior to Renfrew. Premier Doug Ford promised to prioritize this project which is so important to the people of Renfrew County and all of Ontario. Promise made. Promise kept.”

The project will widen Highway 17 from Scheel Drive to three kilometres west of Bruce Street in Renfrew County. It will also include four new interchanges.

The stretch of road sees approximately 14,200 vehicles per day.

“For the Town of Renfrew specifically, a number of positive spinoffs will result as a direct correlation to the highway expansion namely in enhanced economic development opportunities, increased efficiency of movement of labour, goods and services and improved road safety,” Town of Renfrew Mayor Don Eady said. “The twinning of Highway 17 to Renfrew will create a positive atmosphere for growth in the Town of Renfrew and surrounding areas.”

Highway 17 between Arnprior and Pembroke is also one of the deadliest stretches of road in Canada claiming numerous lives in motor vehicle collisions over the years.

Work on the highway widening is expected to begin in 2021.