‘Ottawa’ Highways Reopen After Icy Day in Eastern Ontario
As freezing rain descends on Ontario, reports are coming in of serious collisions on highways in the region — particularly Highway 401 through eastern Ontario.
If you do not need to travel, stay off the roads. Before leaving for any travel, check traffic reports for highway closings. And most importantly, drive extremely carefully.
As of mid-morning, the worst area was around Belleville and Brighton, as both westbound lanes on Highway 401 were reported closed by the OPP at Big Apple Drive. No reopening time was given.
A tractor trailer has also reportedly spilled its diesel load at exit 509 near Brighton.
The freezing rain is expected to last throughout much of the day.
“Freezing rain mixed with snow and ice pellets has spread into the area,” the Environment Canada warning says. “Regions closer to Lake Ontario will see freezing rain transition to rain during the early afternoon hours. Areas near the Ottawa Valley may not see the changeover u