Ontario Highway 137


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.

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. 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 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