The Greater Toronto Area is seeing exponential population and traffic growth. The Regional Municipality of Durham is the region that makes up the east-end of what is now considered part the GTA, also known as the Golden Horseshoe region. Durham Region comprises a variety of demographics and environments. Most of the northern region is quiet, rural, and comprises a great deal of farmland. However, the region’s southern area, which is located along Lake Ontario, has become quite urban and industrial. Now considered suburbs of Toronto, the southern cities of the county such as Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering are seeing rapid growth. In fact, the region has one of the fastest growing populations, not only in Ontario, but in Canada!
As of December 2019, the population of the Durham Region was nearly 700,000. Forecasts predict approximately one million people by 2041. This ambitious increase is quite realistic given that the region is well positioned for job and residential growth, due to its sector diversification (agriculture, office, commercial). With growing cities comes a lot of construction work and opportunities. The region also has a substantial transportation and warehousing industry. In addition, its close proximity to an ever growing Toronto makes it the ideal place for families who want more space and for professionals who commute to work.
With more population comes more vehicles, and unfortunately, more traffic… Most of the region’s traffic flows east-west through two major highways part of the 400 series network.
Highway 401
First begun in 1947, highway 401, also known as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, is the busiest highway in all of North America. It is also one of the widest. In fact, in certain sections around Toronto, the highway can grow to a whopping 18 lanes! In 1964, the route became fully accessible from Windsor to the Ontario-Quebec border. Today, approximately 420,000 vehicles (not people!) drive on the highway every day. In the Oshawa region, annual average daily traffic on the 401 has increased immensely. In 1969 traffic was 29,000, in 1988 it was 79,000. As of 2008 it had jumped to 120,000 and in 2016, 134,000 vehicles.
Highway 407
Slightly north of the 401 lies Highway 407. It was initially planned in the late 1950s as a freeway to bypass the very busy and dense Toronto segment of the 401. However, it was only constructed in the 1990s. Much of it became a tolling highway to alleviate a revenue shortfall in the GTA. Interestingly, the tolling section of the route is privately operated. The prices to use the 407 can be hefty, but they can also save you a lot of time and frustration.
As mentioned above, the Durham Region hosts sections of the 407 and the impressively busy 401. Unfortunately, the constant traffic growth does create the possibility for more vehicular incidents or car troubles. This is where Oshawa Towing can help! We can provide a variety of towing services and roadside assistance. Our team can tow all types of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs to trucks.
The region also sees a lot of cold weather and snow throughout the year. The harsh weather can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. Oshawa Towing is happy to help. We can come to you quickly, give your battery a boost and get you back on the road in no time.
With an ever growing Durham Region, traffic growth will introduce the possibility of more incidents and demand for roadside assistance will increase considerably. Be sure to operate your vehicle safely and diligently, especially when on the major highways! If you find yourself in a pickle, call Oshawa Towing at 289-312-1833.
