Towing on Highway 16 | Ontario Towing
Towing on Highway 16 is available 24 hours a day from Ontario Towing. Highway 16 is the original north-south route connecting Ottawa to Highway 401 before Highway 416 was built. Today it is known locally as Prince of Wales Drive in its northern section, and it continues south through Manotick, North Gower, Kars, and Kemptville. Even though the 416 now carries most of the long-distance traffic, Highway 16 remains a heavily used route for residents of these south-end communities.
If you break down on Highway 16, call Ontario Towing at (613) 619-4545. We know this road well and will get to you fast.
A Road That Still Carries Serious Traffic
Many people assume that Highway 16 became a quiet back road after the 416 opened. That is not the case. Residents of Manotick, North Gower, and Kars use this road daily for commuting, shopping, and school runs. Farm equipment shares the road with passenger vehicles, especially during planting and harvest seasons. The speed limit varies between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour, but the mix of slow-moving agricultural vehicles and impatient commuters creates dangerous situations.
The road passes through several small communities with intersections that lack traffic lights. Drivers making left turns onto side roads create sudden stops for vehicles behind them. T-bone collisions and rear-end accidents happen at these intersections regularly.
Where Trouble Happens on Highway 16
The Prince of Wales Drive section through south Ottawa is the busiest part of this route. Between Baseline Road and Hunt Club Road, commuters use it as an alternative to congested north-south routes like Bank Street and Merivale Road. Potholes and uneven pavement on this section cause flat tires and suspension damage, especially in spring when frost heave has taken its toll.
South of Manotick, the road narrows and becomes more rural. The Rideau River crossings, tight curves, and limited shoulders make this section challenging in bad weather. In winter, blowing snow and black ice on the bridges are serious hazards. We respond to ditch pullouts on this stretch throughout the cold months.
Our Highway 16 Towing Services
Ontario Towing provides flatbed towing, roadside assistance, jump starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout service along Highway 16. We also handle ditch recoveries and accident cleanup on the rural sections south of Ottawa.
Because Highway 16 passes through communities that are underserved by most tow companies, fast response times matter. Ontario Towing dispatches from Ottawa and covers this corridor efficiently.
Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment
One unique challenge on Highway 16 is the regular presence of farm equipment. Tractors, combines, and other slow-moving vehicles are common on this road from spring through fall. Coming around a curve at 80 kilometres per hour and finding a tractor doing 30 is a recipe for a collision. If you are involved in an accident on Highway 16 involving farm equipment or any other vehicle, call (613) 619-4545 and we will handle the recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highway 16 the same as Prince of Wales Drive?
Yes. The northern section of Highway 16 runs along Prince of Wales Drive through south Ottawa. The road continues south under the Highway 16 designation through Manotick, North Gower, Kars, and Kemptville. Ontario Towing covers the entire route.
How fast can you reach me south of Manotick?
Response times to the rural sections south of Manotick depend on traffic and weather conditions. We give you an honest ETA on the phone when you call. Our goal is always to reach you as quickly as possible. Call (613) 619-4545.
Can you tow me from Highway 16 to a mechanic in Ottawa?
Yes. We tow your vehicle wherever you need it to go. Whether your regular mechanic is in Barrhaven, downtown Ottawa, or Kanata, we will take your vehicle there. We give you the full price before dispatching.
Do you handle flat tires caused by potholes on Prince of Wales Drive?
Yes. Pothole damage is one of the most common calls we get from this area, especially in spring. We can change your tire on the spot if you have a spare, or tow you to a tire shop if the damage is too severe for a roadside fix.