Highway 11 closed due to multi-vehicle pileup

A major vehicle pileup closed down Highway 11 between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.

Highway 11 was closed for several hours on Tuesday afternoon in both directions from Highway 117 in Bracebridge to Doe Lake Road in Gravenhurst due to a multi-vehicle crash.

The highway reopened at around 4:05 p.m. on Tuesday.

Paramedics say one person has been transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Ornge air ambulance has been requested for an interhospital transport, if deemed necessary and based on weather conditions.

Paramedics and OPP tell CTV News there are multiple collisions in the area and vehicles in the ditches.

The closure happened at 12:45 p.m. OPP first closed Highway 11 from Highway 118 in Bracebridge to Doe Lake Road in Gravenhurst, citing poor visibility and deteriorating road conditions.

OPP say officers at the scene are currently towing vehicles from the highway and hoping to have the lanes reopened within the hour.

Police say injuries are being assessed, the investigation is ongoing and they are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Deteriorating road conditions

In a post on X, OPP Central Region say several communities are dealing with heavy snowfall and strong winds. Whiteout conditions are causing reduced visibility. Icy roadways are creating delays and unpredictable travel conditions.

Police are advising motorists to obey road closures and avoid non-essential travel.