Highway 11 Runaway Truck Ramp

Demonstration – June 25, 2009

A new state-of-the-art runaway truck ramp was recently constructed on Highway 11 at Thibeault Hill in North Bay, where transport trucks descend into a busy commercial area of the city.

The ramp uses a dragnet system, consisting of seven metal nets attached to energy absorbers, to catch a runaway truck or bus. The system is based on the technology used to stop airplanes landing on aircraft carriers.

Since the system requires less distance to stop a vehicle than conventional gravel bed ramps, vehicle operators have more time to enter the ramp if they determine they have a brake issue. The new ramp is also more effective in the winter, and is easier to maintain.

This is the only runaway truck ramp on the Ontario provincial highway system.

To improve awareness of how the system works and to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness, the ministry is conducting a live demonstration on June 25, 2009 at 10:30 am.

A 2004 International Tractor 9400 with a six axle flatbed aluminum trailer will be loaded with concrete blocks and driven into the runaway truck ramp at approximately 90 km/h.

This particular combination is legally allowed to operate with a gross weight of 60,100 kg. The final weight for the demonstration is just under 60,000 kg. 

In the event of inclement weather, the demonstration will be reschedule for June 25th at 1:30 pm or June 26th at 10:30 am. Check the Website for details.

For more information on the demonstration, please contact Jim Bucci, Senior Project Engineer, Ministry of Transportation, 497-5450 or Jim Dowell, Project Manager, McCormick Rankin Corporation, (905) 823-8500 ext. 1244.