brw Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 Mates: Am planning our trip to Geo Bay via Key River (in only 29 days, 12 hrs and 37 min but who's counting) and we usually leave at a time that puts us on 400 N around 2:00 p.m or so. Traffic is "thick" to Barrie until old 69 N but manageable. We are toying with leaving later, which may put us on that run around 5:00 p.m. My guess is that the traffic to Barrie is horrible and reduces to a crawl by then? Am also thinking that we should stick to our old plan, but would appreciate the thoughts of those who live there and travel that stretch regularly. Thanks to all who respond--much appreciated.
Pikeslayer Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 Mates: Am planning our trip to Geo Bay via Key River (in only 29 days, 12 hrs and 37 min but who's counting) and we usually leave at a time that puts us on 400 N around 2:00 p.m or so. Traffic is "thick" to Barrie until old 69 N but manageable. We are toying with leaving later, which may put us on that run around 5:00 p.m. My guess is that the traffic to Barrie is horrible and reduces to a crawl by then? Am also thinking that we should stick to our old plan, but would appreciate the thoughts of those who live there and travel that stretch regularly. Thanks to all who respond--much appreciated. Stick to your original plan. Especially if you are hauling a boat/trailer. Anytime after 4:00 pm is stop and go somewhere on that stretch. Also expect delays on old 69 right after the split from Barrie. They are ramping up for resurfacing northbound.
NAW Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) Stick to your plan. Specially if it's a long weekend. Edited May 9, 2012 by N.A.W
4x4bassin Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 I would stick to your original plan , you don't want to be anywhere near that area 401/400 at 5:00pm especially if it is a Friday . I would try to be in the Barrie area no later then 3:00-3:30pm and it should be smooth sailing except for possible construction delays just north of the split !
BillM Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 Yup, if you are traveling north on a Friday, make sure you hit the 400NB around 2pm or so.. It really starts to get busy around 3pm.. If it's a long weekend, forget it, lol.
brw Posted May 9, 2012 Author Report Posted May 9, 2012 I would stick to your original plan , you don't want to be anywhere near that area 401/400 at 5:00pm especially if it is a Friday . I would try to be in the Barrie area no later then 3:00-3:30pm and it should be smooth sailing except for possible construction delays just north of the split ! Thanks Fellas-for once my instincts were correct! How bad is the backup at the split? Just wonderin...perhaps I'll send an email alerting the highway authorities that I'm coming on June 8th so they can speed things up and be done by the time I arrive!!
BillM Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 I wouldn't worry about the backup at the split, most of the traffic goes up 11 anyhow (Hopefully you're headed up the 400)
Rich Clemens Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 I've hit the 400 late afternoon /early evening on a Friday night and it's even backed up nearing where the ETR connects onto 400 - and it is bumper to bumper to Barree. I've also changed my travel plans to hit it early afternoon now. Pulling the boat, I picked a lane and just stayed there.
bobowski Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 I went up that way to Georgian bay yesterday and after the split there are sections of highway that is down to one lane due to construction. Just a heads up.
Fish4Eyes Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 I like to plan my trip so I arrive to my destination at 5-6am. I would prefer to arrive later but I can't sleep the night before a fishing trip so I just drive instead. Got the highway basically to myself.
BillM Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 I went up that way to Georgian bay yesterday and after the split there are sections of highway that is down to one lane due to construction. Just a heads up. Yup, from Forbes to about 93..
bigbuck Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 You are good at 2pm. I head up to Honey Harbour every Fri afternoon in the summer around that time. Its hit and miss to Barrie, once you get up on the 400 extension, its relatively smooth sailing.
4x4bassin Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 Thanks Fellas-for once my instincts were correct! How bad is the backup at the split? Just wonderin...perhaps I'll send an email alerting the highway authorities that I'm coming on June 8th so they can speed things up and be done by the time I arrive!! You might get lucky and some of that construction will be over but honestly I don't think so , when it gets a little closer to your departure remind us and someone here can give you an up to date report on road conditions/construction . I travel that stretch of road to Parry Sound all most weekly so I for sure can let you know !
NAW Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) The construction will not be done by June. You are right, some of it will be done. But they are re-building a bridge (again). The construction will likely be going on for the entire summer in places. I commute from Barrie up to Orr Lake daily. If the construction/traffic is bad, there are lots of side roads you can take. Edited May 9, 2012 by N.A.W
Pikeslayer Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 You might get lucky and some of that construction will be over but honestly I don't think so , when it gets a little closer to your departure remind us and someone here can give you an up to date report on road conditions/construction . I travel that stretch of road to Parry Sound all most weekly so I for sure can let you know ! The construction will not be done by June. You are right, some of it will be done. But they are re-building a bridge (again). The construction will likely be going on for the entire summer in places. I commute from Barrie up to Orr Lake daily. If the construction/traffic is bad, there are lots of side roads you can take. Here is the 'definitive' answer: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/trip/construction_reports-central.shtml#Contract2011-2009
NAW Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 Thanks for posting that.. $32 Million. Yikes! End date for the construction Nov 29, 2013! Holy smokes
BillM Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 That section of highway needs it badly! Money well spent if you ask me.. Plus we'll actually have shoulders not made of vehicle swallowing gravel, lol.
NAW Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 You know what.. You're right. That's a crappy section of hwy. All the bumps and pot holes keep me awake when driving home after the long shifts!
brw Posted May 9, 2012 Author Report Posted May 9, 2012 You might get lucky and some of that construction will be over but honestly I don't think so , when it gets a little closer to your departure remind us and someone here can give you an up to date report on road conditions/construction . I travel that stretch of road to Parry Sound all most weekly so I for sure can let you know ! Thanks 4x4 will do! Appreciate it.
nofish4me Posted May 9, 2012 Report Posted May 9, 2012 Here's a handy website http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/trip/construction_reports.shtml I'll call, next week, about where you'll want to fish . Hopefully, I'll be able to find the digital maps, etc. Brian
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