Starting October 1, 2025, Thunder Bay’s new Designated Truck Route (DTR) Bylaw takes effect. Unless they are making a local delivery, transport trucks are now required to follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 11/17) instead of Dawson Road or Arthur Street.

Map illustrating the Designated Truck Route through Thunder Bay

New signs are being installed by the Ministry of Transportation and the City to guide drivers, and local police will be enforcing the bylaw. The City is also working with the trucking industry to make sure the change is clear and well-understood.

This map highlights the Designated Truck Route and the location of the MTO signs.

Graphic of MTO signage found on Designated Truck Route

Click map image for larger view.

For residents 

You may notice more trucks on the Thunder Bay Expressway between Red River Road and the Harbour Expressway, and along Arthur Street, but less heavy truck traffic in neighbourhoods and on safer, quieter local roads. 

Graphic of MTO signage found on Designated Truck Route

For truck drivers

The Designated Truck Route keeps cross-country traffic on Highway 11/17. Signs from the Ministry of Transportation and the City will show the approved route. Trucks may only use Dawson Road or Arthur Street if they have a delivery there. Enforcement will be carried out by Thunder Bay Police.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 Why does the City of Thunder Bay need a DTR?

 The DTR was established to re-direct heavy trucks to the TransCanada Highway 11/17, which is built to a higher design standard.

Highway 11/17 has better road alignments, longer sight lines, and is maintained to a higher standard, making it a better route for trucks traveling through Thunder Bay. 

By moving heavy trucks off Dawson Road and Arthur Street, the DTR improves safety for all road users.  
 How will the DTR benefit Thunder Bay residents?
 Key benefits of the DTR in Thunder Bay includes:
  • Increased safety for drivers.
  • Keeps roads safe as residential and traffic volumes grow along these corridors.
  • Less noise in residential areas.
 Which roads are affected by the DTR?

 Heavy commercial truck travel in Thunder Bay will be limited to the Designated Truck Route, which includes Highway 11/17 & 61, Harbour Expressway, Main Street, and Island Drive.

Heavy trucks can still reach any delivery destination in the City.

However, trucks are expected to travel as far as practical along the DTR and use the shortest possible distance on other City streets to reach their final destination.

Trucks must also still comply will all weight restricted streets
 Will the DTR affect business deliveries on Dawson Road and Arthur Street?
 Transport trucks are still permitted for local deliveries on Dawson Road and Arthur Street. The restriction applies only to through-traffic.
 What measures will be taken to make sure that trucks are using the designated routes?

 The Thunder Bay Police Service will monitor traffic and enforce the new truck route regulations to ensure community safety and compliance.

Billboard signage will be installed along the rights-of-way to remind truck drivers that Dawson Road and Arthur Street have weight restrictions.

Additionally, permissive truck route signs will be placed along MTO’s corridor and along the Harbour Expressway to show the designated route. See the map here. 
 What is the expected traffic increase for roads along the truck route?

 We expect, about 1300 trucks per day to shift off Dawson Road, and about 300 trucks per day to shift off Arthur Street.

The only trucks remaining on these roads would be making local deliveries.
 Should I contact the police if I see a transport truck within City limits?

 Please do not contact Thunder Bay Police if you see a transport truck on City roads.

Truck deliveries to local businesses throughout the City will continue for business as usual.

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