Updated December 2, 2024 @ 10:27pm
Update (10:15 p.m.):
News Release Via OPP
Highway 11 has reopened in both directions between Orillia and Huntsville after a significant weather event stranded hundreds of vehicles and their drivers.
Crews have been working tirelessly in plowing snow, assisting motorists and responding to emergency calls for service throughout the affected area. Reports of vehicle occupants being stranded for hours in their vehicles and residents in their homes without power resulted in challenging times for many people.
Many local residents stepped in to assist stranded motorists by providing food, water and supplies and transportation to local warming centres via snowmobiles and off-road vehicles.
Traffic is now moving throughout the region, although the on- and off-ramps of Luigi Road remain closed at this time due to snow accumulation. All other on- and off-ramps have reopened.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continue to work collaboratively with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, road maintenance contractors and operators of snow removal equipment as they monitor and prepare for potential future weather events throughout the province.
The OPP want to remind motorists to ensure they are prepared for any situation by driving appropriately for the road and weather conditions. Remember to have an emergency kit in your vehicle, ensure sufficient fuel/battery level with reserve, and plan ahead by monitoring local media reports. Check 511on.ca for updated road conditions.
The OPP want to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding through this challenging time.
Update (7:30 p.m.):
OPP officials said around 6:45 p.m. that Highway 11 southbound from Highway 60 in Huntsville to West Street in Orillia is expected to reopen after 10 p.m. tonight.
"Crews are continuing to clear snow and ice for a safe reopening," OPP posted on X.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said in a video included in the post that due to the amount of snow and ice accumulation and the work involved in clearing the lanes, it will take longer than originally anticipated to reopen.
"Avoid the area until crews have made [the] highway safe," said Schmidt.
Update (6:20 p.m.):
As of 6 p.m., Highway 11 southbound from Highway 60 in Huntsville to West Street in Orillia remained closed.
OPP said earlier this afternoon that it would open around 4 p.m.
OPP officials told Barrie 360 that the reopening has been pushed as they make sure the southbound lanes are safe for drivers to use. They say an update will be given sometime this evening.
The northbound lanes reopened around 1:30 p.m.
Previous Story:
Ontario Provincial Police said at 1:30 this afternoon that Highway 11 northbound was reopened, with the southbound side expected to follow suit.
The stretch between Orillia and Huntsville has been closed as more than a metre of snow accumulated in the area over the weekend.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says northbound lanes are reopened from West Street in Orillia. He says crews are still working to clear the snow and hope to reopen the southbound lanes from Highway 60 in Huntsville down to Orillia around 4:00 p.m.
"Except for Luigi Road, all on-ramps and off-ramps are cleared," Schmidt said in a release.
A Time Lapse of the Snow Storm
- With files from the Canadian Press
