Existed: 1965 – present Constructed 1965 | Length 4.3 km Province Ontario | |
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South end: I-81 at Wellesley Island, New York North end: Highway 401 near Lansdowne | ||
King's Highway 137, commonly referred to as Highway 137, is a provincially maintained highway in the Canadian province of Ontario that serves to connect the northern end of Interstate 81 in New York with Highway 401, via the Canadian span of the Thousand Islands Bridge. While this road connected to the international bridge when it opened in August 1938, it was not designated as a King's Highway until 1965.
Contents
Map of ON-137, Rockport, ON K0E 1V0, Canada
Route description
The mainland section is a four-lane freeway with an interchange at the Thousand Islands Parkway in addition to its terminus at Highway 401. The section on Hill Island is a two-lane highway with limited development and two at-grade intersections. Connecting the two segments is the first bridge between the Ontario mainland and Hill Island, which is a toll bridge in the southbound direction (northbound tolls are paid on the New York mainland). The highway ends at the U.S. border, where it continues as I-81.
History
The Thousand Islands Bridge system was opened ceremoniously on August 18, 1938 by Prime Minister William Mackenzie King and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Also in attendance was His Majesty's (King George VI) representative, the Ontario Lieutenant Governor Albert Matthews. The new border crossing connected with the Scenic Highway, known today as the Thousand Islands Parkway, but it was not numbered. For 27 years, Highway 137 was known simply as the Ivy Lea Bridge Approach. Later, the number appeared on certain maps but not any actual highway signage. In recent years, signs have been installed along Highway 401, which include the Highway 137 designation and appropriate shields.
Exit list
The following table lists the major junctions along Highway 137, as noted by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. The entire route is located in Leeds and Grenville United Counties.