There are a few problems…

There are a few problems with this proposed legislation.

First, there does not seem to be any reason that these particular highways are a priority in any way that justifies special treatment. If it has been decided that they need to be built they should be subject the same rules as any other highway project. If some sort of priority process is deemed necessary, than there should be a clear process for determining that and not simply the minister making that decision.

Corners not cut in the construction of highways in general and non of the measures being proposed seems warranted.

Lastly, bigger picture, if the goal is the reduce congestion the focus should be on actions that would have more on an effect. Building more highways is likely to only lead to a temporary improvement as the extra traffic encouraged will in the long run add to the levels of traffic being funnelled in the routes supposedly being relieved. The measures that need to be taken are pricing of road use, incentives for more efficient use of the road network, improvements of alternatives to roads (for both passengers and cargo), and incentives to use of alternatives.