5 Worst Highway Spots in Mississauga

Mississauga is full of highways and while that’s generally quite convenient for us, each high-speed travel roadway has a spot or two that’s difficult to navigate happily–especially during high traffic times.

Since the 403, 401, 410, 427 (a teeny slice), 407 and QEW all run through Mississauga, it’s only natural for us to experience a few difficult portions when traveling, especially at peak traffic times.

Here’s a look at our picks for the top 5 worst highways spots in the city:5) Westbound 401 Collectors Merge

If you’re merging onto the westbound 401 from the collectors after Hurontario, you could end up in truck-heavy gridlock that might persist all the way to Milton (if you’re heading that way). Even without traffic, all mandatory merges have the potential to create a little additional congestion, so this part of the highway can be a headache at high traffic times.

4) 401 Eastbound When Collectors are Introduced

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Although the additional lanes can make the commute on the eastbound 401 clearer from their starting point to the 427 (the eastbound 401 often bunches once you hit Toronto and can stay congested all the way up to the 404, if you’re going that far), they do add a little extra time to your commute. With everyone trying to get into their desired lane, minor chaos can occur.3) 403 Westbound Entrance Ramp from Southbound Hurontario

If you’re traveling between, say, 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. on a weeknight, prepare to wait to enter the 403 and then wait some more to actually begin driving down the roadway. The ramp and entry lanes are often absolutely packed with all manner of vehicles and extra chaos can ensue when you’re trying to get on the highway while others are attempting to exit.

2) Westbound 401 to Westbound 403 at Rush Hour

If you’re in the express lanes, this merger isn’t quite as painful as it is when you’re stuck in the collectors. If you’re taking the westbound 401 to the 403, you have to traverse the busy 401/410/403 interchange and deal with drivers shifting lanes, sometimes abruptly, to make their exits. If you’re on the collectors, your lanes will take longer to clear and there’s not much you can do about it. 

1) Exiting the 401 at Dixie in Either Direction

Although there isn’t anything outwardly wrong with this exit in terms of design, the Dixie and 401 area is in a relatively busy commercial district that is full of transport trucks. If you’re exiting here during work hours, prepare to sit for some time as you wait for trucks to pick up speed and inevitably slow to a stop when the light turns red. If you’re in a rush, you might want to avoid this exit if at all possible.