Most northern Ontario highways reopen after storm

Ontario Provincial Police had closed a series of major highways across the northeast region as severe weather created deteriorating road conditions, but most re-opened throughout the day.

As of shortly after 6:30 p.m., OPP advised the only remaining highway closure in the region was the eastbound lanes of Highway 17 from Whitefish to Lively due to flooding.

Police said this closure is expected to remain “until sometime tomorrow.”

“Follow detour signage along Old Highway 17 through Whitefish to Lively,” OPP said.

The OPP North East Region had initially advised the public of multiple closures on social media on Friday morning, advising motorists to avoid travel in affected areas. The following roadways have since reopened:

Highway 11 was closed between Hearst and Cochrane.

Highway 17 was closed from Batchewana Bay to Wawa. Eastbound lanes on Highway 17 are also closed from Regional Road 55 to Highway 144.

Highway 101 was closed from Wawa to Highway 144.

Highway 129 was closed from Chapleau to Highway 554, located north of Thessalon.

Highway 144 was closed from Highway 101 to Highway 560.

Highway 554 was closed from Highway 129 to Highway 546.

Highway 631 was also closed from Hornepayne to Highway 11.

Motorists urged to avoid travel

“Stay safe and stay off the roads where possible,” said OPP.

Police recommended that motorists in affected areas take the following actions:

• Obey all road closures and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Monitor 511on.ca, municipal511.ca, and official OPP and Ministry of Transportation social media accounts for updates
• Check weather.gc.ca for local and regional weather alerts

OPP said in the advisory that further updates will be posted as conditions evolve.