A major northern Ontario highway corridor is expected to remain closed until late afternoon Sunday as crews continue cleanup from a severe winter storm, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Highway 11 is closed from Cochrane to Nipigon and OPP advised shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday that the nearly 400-kilometre closure will be in effect “for an extended period of time; likely until the late afternoon today.”
In a separate social media update, OPP said its combined regional social media alert series for the storm would close, noting “the recent winter storm has ended and the current weather forecast.” The provincial police service said a new series of combined posts will begin when or if multiple closures or incidents start occurring.
Highway closures
The situation has been extremely fluid. Overnight updates saw multiple highways reopen, only for new closures to be announced hours later.
As of the latest OPP update around 9 a.m. Sunday, the following closures are in effect:
The following major sections have reopened as of early Sunday:
- Highway 17 from Wawa to Batchawana Bay (reopened 7:55 a.m. Sunday).
- Highway 11 at Cedar Heights Road in North Bay (reopened 2:35 a.m. Sunday).
- Highway 631 from Hornepayne to Palmquist (reopened 10:30 p.m. Saturday).
- Highway 17 from White River to Wawa (reopened 10:30 p.m. Saturday).
- Highway 11 from Longlac to Matheson (reopened 9:25 p.m. Saturday).
- Highway 655 from Driftwood to Timmins (reopened 9:25 p.m. Saturday).
- Highway 101 from Wawa to Chapleau (reopened 9:25 p.m. Saturday).
Storm aftermath, driver resources
The storm prompted rolling closures throughout Saturday and into early Sunday. The OPP’s decision to end its coordinated alert series signals a shift from active crisis response to extended recovery for the hardest-hit routes.
Authorities continue to advise the public to avoid travel in the affected regions unless “absolutely necessary.” For those who must drive, checking real-time conditions is essential.
OPP is also directing motorists to consult 511on.ca for live highway travel and plowing information, or weather.gc.ca for official weather conditions and alerts.
Comprehensive winter driving safety tips can be found on the Government of Ontario’s website.
Police emphasize safety, legal obligations
In a news release, ahead of the severe weather, OPP reminded motorists that road closures are implemented for critical safety reasons.
“During severe winter weather, OPP officers and partner agencies may temporarily close roads and highways when conditions deteriorate and pose a significant risk to motorists, road maintenance crews, and emergency responders,” said police.
The police service stressed that these closures allow snow removal, towing, and emergency operations to be carried out safely and efficiently.
Authorities also warned that disobeying a road closure is a serious offence.
“Motorists are reminded that driving on a closed roadway or failing to comply with police direction may result in charges under the Highway Traffic Act,” said OPP.
Potential charges include disobeying a traffic officer, driving on a closed highway, or disobeying a sign, which can lead to fines, demerit points and court appearances.
For road emergencies, the OPP can be reached at 1-888-310-1122. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.
RELATED STORIES:
