Highway 17 Reopens After Hazardous Winter Conditions in Ontario

UPDATE: Highway 17A in northwestern Ontario has officially reopened following a significant closure due to hazardous winter weather that created dangerous driving conditions. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed the highway reopened at 11:13 a.m. on December 2, 2023, after being shut for approximately four hours.

The closure began just before 7 a.m. today, when OPP issued a warning regarding severe weather conditions, including whiteouts, blowing snow, and icy surfaces. “Due to whiteout conditions, blowing snow, icy road surfaces and multiple collisions involving semi-trucks, Highway 17A westbound is closed,” OPP reported. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no serious injuries had been reported from the incidents.

As conditions deteriorated, the OPP also announced the closure of eastbound lanes at the Ontario-Manitoba border in Whiteshell, Manitoba, due to another collision. Although no injuries were reported, the OPP advised all motorists to avoid the area and delay non-essential travel until conditions improved.

Motorists were urged to exercise caution and drive according to road conditions. The OPP reminded drivers to check weather and road conditions before traveling by visiting 511.on.ca or calling 511 for updates.

By noon, the OPP reported that semi-trucks were still being towed from the ditch near Sherwood Lake, and OPP officers remained on site to direct traffic. The swift action by local authorities has ensured a return to safe driving conditions on this major route.

Stay tuned for more updates and always prioritize safety when traveling in winter weather conditions.