Towing on Highway 416 | Ontario Towing
Towing on Highway 416 is available 24 hours a day from Ontario Towing. Highway 416, officially named the Veterans Memorial Highway, is Ottawa's primary north-south freeway. It runs approximately 76 kilometres from the Highway 417 interchange near Bayshore all the way south to Highway 401 near Prescott. This highway is the fastest route between Ottawa and Toronto, Kingston, and the U.S. border crossing at Ogdensburg.
Whether you are a commuter heading to Barrhaven, a long-haul trucker moving freight to the 401, or a family driving south for the weekend, breakdowns on this highway happen without warning. Call Ontario Towing at (613) 619-4545 and we will get to you fast.
Why Highway 416 Is a Challenging Stretch for Drivers
Highway 416 was designed for fast, efficient travel with limited interchanges. That design means long gaps between exits. If your vehicle breaks down between Kemptville and the Fallowfield Road interchange, there is nowhere to pull off except the shoulder. No gas stations, no rest stops, and very little cell coverage in some of the rural sections. The highway cuts through farmland, forest, and the Stony Swamp wetland area, so help can feel far away when you are stranded.
In addition, the 416 is a critical trade corridor. Transport trucks carrying goods between the U.S. border, Highway 401, and Ottawa use this highway constantly. That heavy truck traffic increases the risk of tire blowouts and debris on the road, which then creates hazards for passenger vehicles travelling at highway speed.
Where Breakdowns Happen Most on the 416
The northern section near the Highway 417 interchange sees the heaviest traffic volume, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The S-curves near Barrhaven, where the highway crosses the Jock River and winds through the Stony Swamp, are a frequent trouble spot. Drivers who are unfamiliar with this section sometimes misjudge the curves, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Further south, the area around the Kemptville bypass and the County Road 43 interchange is where long-distance travellers start to feel fatigue. We respond to a lot of single-vehicle incidents in this section, particularly late at night. The southern terminus at Highway 401 near Prescott is another busy area because drivers merge between two major freeways.
Our Highway 416 Towing Services
Ontario Towing dispatches flatbed tow trucks and roadside assistance vehicles to every section of Highway 416. We handle flat tires, dead batteries, fuel delivery, lockouts, and accident recovery. For vehicles that cannot be driven, we tow them to the mechanic, dealership, or destination of your choice.
Because of the long stretches between exits on the 416, getting a professional tow truck to your location quickly matters more than on city streets. Our dispatchers know this highway well and will send the closest available truck to your location.
Winter Driving on the Veterans Memorial Highway
The 416 is exposed to open wind on most of its length. In winter, that means whiteout conditions can develop suddenly as blowing snow sweeps across the flat farmland on either side of the highway. Black ice forms on the elevated bridge sections, including the overpass at the Jock River and the Rideau River crossing near Manotick.
Every winter, Ontario Towing responds to dozens of ditch recoveries and slide-offs on this highway. We have the equipment and experience to safely pull vehicles out of ditches and snow banks along the entire corridor, even in the worst conditions. Call (613) 619-4545 whenever you need us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far south on Highway 416 do you provide towing?
We provide towing along the entire length of Highway 416 from the Highway 417 interchange in Ottawa all the way south to the Highway 401 junction near Prescott. Call (613) 619-4545 and let us know your location.
What if I break down on the 416 with no cell service?
Some rural sections of Highway 416 have weak cell coverage. If your call does not connect, try moving to higher ground or walking a short distance along the shoulder. You can also flag down another driver to call on your behalf. If you manage to get through, our dispatchers will guide you on your exact location using exit numbers and kilometre markers.
Can you pull my vehicle out of the ditch on Highway 416?
Yes. Ditch recoveries are one of the most common calls we get on the 416, especially during winter. Our tow trucks carry the winching equipment needed to safely pull vehicles out of ditches, snow banks, and muddy shoulders.
Do you tow commercial trucks on Highway 416?
Ontario Towing handles both passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles. For heavy transport trucks and tractor-trailers, specialized heavy-duty towing equipment may be required. Call us and we will let you know immediately whether we can handle your vehicle or connect you with the right service.