Highway 69 reopens following morning closure

Rick Wyman has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days.

A significant stretch of Highway 69 in northern Ontario was closed for several hours on Tuesday due to a combination of severe winter weather conditions and a disabled transport truck.

Ontario Provincial Police first alerted the public to the closure just after 10:30 a.m. and announced the road reopened shortly before 3:30 p.m.

“The OPP thanks the public for their patience and cooperation,” said police in an updated social media post.

Initial advisory

“Highway 69 is closed from Shawanaga First Nation to Highway 64 near French River due to a disabled transport truck and poor visibility and road conditions,” OPP said in a social media post.

Police asked the public to plan alternate routes immediately.

“If driving through the area; expect delays and drive with caution,” added police.

Closure expanded as conditions worsen

About an hour later, the OPP updated the closure area, indicating the affected zone had grown larger as conditions deteriorated.

“The closure of Highway 69 is now from Highway 559 in Nobel, north of Parry Sound to Highway 64 in French River,” OPP said.

The update carried a stronger warning for motorists, explicitly advising them to avoid travel in the region altogether.

“Road conditions are extremely poor and the OPP is advising motorists to avoid the area,” said police.

The highway serves as a key corridor connecting communities in Georgian Bay and the Parry Sound District to Greater Sudbury and northeastern Ontario.

Police did not list any detours during the duration of the road closure.

For up-to-date road and travel information, visit 511on.ca or call 511.