Northern highways reopened after messy spring storm
Parts of Highways 101, 129 and 144 were closed Wednesday because of poor weather conditions and other factors.
Police close an Ontario roadway due to poor weather conditions. (File photo/CTV News)
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) closed Highway 101 between Wawa and Timmins and Highway 129 between Chapleau and Timmins due to poor driving conditions, police said in a tweet just before 8:30 a.m.
Police also closed Highway 144 between Gogama and Timmins just before 12:30 p.m.
“South Porcupine OPP is advising Highway 144 is closed at Highway 101 due to weather conditions and several CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) stuck on the roadway,” said police on X.
The Ministry of Transportation’s 511 Traveller Information Service indicates the Highway 144 closure is from Highway 101 to Highway 560.
Highway 129 between Chapleau and Thessalon reopened around 4:30 p.m. and Highway 101 between Wawa and Timmins reopened at 8:15 a.m. Thursday.
As of 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Highway 144 is showing as open on 511 Ontario.
Police nor the ministry have provided any estimate for when the highway will reopen and no detours are currently available.
“Duration of closures unknown,” said OPP.
“Updates provided when highways reopen.”
Highway 17 was also closed between Wawa and Batchawana Bay due to weather on Wednesday morning but reopened shortly after noon.
“See snow, go slow,” said police.
There are several weather warnings in northeastern Ontario with up to 25 cm snow, 40 mm rain and wind gusts of up to 80 km/h expected Wednesday.
Weather alerts for northeastern Ontario as of 8 a.m. on April 3, 2024. Grey indicates a special weather statement, semitransparent red indicates snowfall warning, opaque red indicates rainfall warnings. (Supplied/Ministry of Transportation and Environment Canada)
Police said motorists can obtain up-to-date road conditions by calling 511 or at 511on.ca.
“Drivers are reminded that driving on a closed highway may result in a $110 fine and 3 demerit points,” said police.
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