Definition
Quebec Route 309 is a provincially maintained secondary highway in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is part of the Quebec provincial highway network and is overseen by Transports Québec.
Overview
Route 309 runs predominantly in a north‑south direction through the Laurentides and Outaouais regions, providing a primary roadway that links a series of rural municipalities and recreational areas. The highway connects the community of Saint‑Côme in the south with the city of Mont‑Laurier near the northern terminus, passing through or near locales such as Saint‑Donat, Saint‑Félicien‑de‑Mont‑Mégantic, and the vicinity of the Baskatong Reservoir. It serves both local traffic and tourists accessing forested regions, lakes, and outdoor‑recreation sites.
Etymology/Origin
The designation “Route 309” follows Quebec’s systematic numbering scheme for provincial highways, where three‑digit numbers are assigned to secondary routes. The numeral “309” does not convey a specific linguistic meaning; it functions solely as an identifier within the provincial network.
Characteristics
- Administration: Managed by Transports Québec, which is responsible for maintenance, signage, and seasonal services such as snow removal.
- Physical layout: Generally a two‑lane, paved (asphalt) roadway. In most sections, the posted speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph), subject to adjustment in built‑up or mountainous areas.
- Terrain: The route traverses a predominantly forested landscape characteristic of the Laurentian Mountains, crossing several small rivers and skirting numerous lakes. It provides access to recreational zones, including campgrounds and ski resorts.
- Key intersections: The southern terminus links with Route 117 near Saint‑Côme, while the northern end connects to Route 117 again close to Mont‑Laurier, facilitating onward travel toward the Abitibi‑Temiscamingue region. Intermediate junctions include connections with Route 323 and local municipal roads.
- Length: The precise total length is not definitively published in publicly available provincial data; estimates place the highway at roughly 150 km (≈ 93 mi). Accurate measurement is not confirmed.
Related Topics
- Quebec provincial highway system
- List of Quebec provincial highways
- Transports Québec (provincial transportation ministry)
- Route 117 (major east‑west highway intersecting Route 309)
- Route 323 (adjacent secondary highway)
- Laurentides region – geography and transportation
- Mont‑Laurier – municipal profile and transport links
Note: While core information regarding Quebec Route 309’s function, administration, and general corridor is well‑documented, specific data such as the exact kilometre length and detailed municipal crossings may vary across sources, and precise figures are not universally confirmed.