King's Highway 17A, commonly referred to as Highway 17A or as the Kenora By-Pass, is an alternate route of Highway 17 around the city of Kenora, in the Canadian province of Ontario. It was built along a former Canadian Pacific Railway right-of-way, and has two westbound passing lanes in separate parts, and one eastbound passing lane.
Although it is not an official part of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 17A is designated as the through route when travelling into Kenora on the Trans-Canada.[3][4]The road also provides access to Kenora Airport, but otherwise avoids the built-up areas of the city.[5]The highway passes through a heavily forested area dominated by large granite rock outcroppings, geography typical of the Canadian Shield.[6]On an average day approximately 3,200–5,200 vehicles travel along the road, varying by season.[1]
Construction of Highway 17A began in 1981 in response to traffic congestion within the city of Kenora, which created a severe bottleneck for cross-national traffic. The bypass opened in stages as it was constructed from west to east.[7]The first 8.4 kilometres (5.2 mi), from Highway 17 to Highway 596 opened in September 1983. Following this, contracts were tendered for construction of the Winnipeg River bridge.[8]The section between Highway 596 and Highway 658 opened several years later in the autumn of 1988.[7]The final section, linking Highway 658 with Highway 17, was opened on November 16, 1990, at which point the Kenora Bypass was designated Highway 17A.[2]
The following table lists the major junctions along Highway 17A, as noted by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.[9] The entire route is located in Kenora District.[5]