400-series Highways Highways in Ontario

400-series highways special class of provincial highways, designed exclusively controlled-access freeways entire length of highway. @ present, of them located in southern ontario, form network similar interstate highway system in us. 400-series highways include highways 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 409, 410, 412, 416, 417, 420, 427, , queen elizabeth way (qew). originally, 400-series route numbers assigned sequentially, more new routes have been numbered based on existing highway new route bypassed or upgraded. (highway 427 upgrade of highway 27, example.)

although province maintains freeways match 400-series standards, such conestoga parkway, not designated 400-series number, though of freeways exceed existing 400-series highways in size , traffic volume , in cases connected 400-series network. nonetheless, ontario freeways not receive 400-series number unless designed complete controlled-access freeways whole length. while at-grade intersections existed on highway 406 many years, construction took place 2008 2015 close off intersections or replace them overpasses , interchanges, bringing route full freeway standards. non 400-series routes typically have open-access portions besides freeway section, while freeway segment typically small section not @ route s termini. 400-series standards allow 400-series highways begin or end @ roundabouts or traffic lights, such highway 406 , highway 420, respectively.

the 400-series highways designed highest specifications of provincial highways, typical design speeds of 100–130 km/h. 400-series highways have posted speeds of 100 km/h, although in few instances, speeds lower, account dangerous or obsolete-design areas. example, highway 403 near hamilton signed @ 90 km/h because of series of sharp curves, , highway 402 signed @ 70 km/h on final approach border crossing @ blue water bridge in sarnia because of heavy, backed-up or stopped truck traffic.