A stretch of northbound Highway 11 in Orillia was closed Tuesday morning after numerous crashes during worsening winter weather. Ontario Provincial Police reported about ten collisions between Line 11 and Memorial Avenue, with several transport trucks and passenger vehicles ending up in ditches during whiteout conditions and blowing snow.
The highway was shut down for roughly an hour as emergency crews responded, though some vehicles were still waiting to be cleared. Drivers have been advised to avoid the area and make alternate travel plans while cleanup and investigations continue.
Authorities emphasized the need for caution, reminding motorists that visibility and road conditions can change rapidly during winter storms. No injuries have been reported so far, and it remains uncertain when the roadway will fully reopen.
Transit has also been affected, with Simcoe County Linx service on Line 3 between Barrie and Orillia suspended due to poor visibility. Police say the situation has been ongoing since early morning.