The eastbound express lanes of Highway 401 are expected to remain closed until around 6 p.m. Tuesday following a collision involving two commercial vehicles, according to the OPP.
The crash occurred between James Snow Parkway and Trafalgar Road, at the point where the express and collector lanes merge. OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt explained that a tractor-trailer attempted to switch from the express lanes into the collectors but failed, striking an end treatment crash cushion while trying to re-enter the express lanes. The crash cushion, designed to absorb impact, minimized injury but created significant debris.
A second tractor-trailer then struck the scattered metal debris, further complicating the scene. One vehicle’s contents spilled across all lanes, forcing traffic into the collector lanes.
No injuries were reported, but Schmidt noted the incident has caused major traffic delays. He urged drivers to avoid last-minute lane changes and plan ahead to prevent similar collisions. Police are asking motorists to take alternate routes while cleanup and repairs continue.