ORILLIA - Both sides of a 100-kilometre stretch of Highway 11 — from West Street in Orillia to Highway 60 in Huntsville — remains closed this morning.
However, the OPP say all of the vehicles and "obstructions" that had been stuck on various parts of the snowbound highway have been removed. That means plowing of the highway has begun.
Highway 11 remains closed in both directions between Highway 60 in Huntsville and West Street in Orillia. Crews are working hard to ensure a safe reopening that is expected later today.
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) December 2, 2024
Updates to follow, please stay off the closed portion of Highway 11 until its reopening. ^ks pic.twitter.com/9Vw4QmZyWh
While no re-opening time has been provided, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said he expects the important north-south roadway to open today. It has been shut down since Saturday after parts of the area north of Orillia were walloped with more than 100 centimetres of fresh snow between Friday night and Sunday morning.
Schmidt said the "OPP and MTO are working collaboratively" to remove the snow that prompted this "significant" closure.
"We understand the frustration that motorists are having as a result of this," he said. "We are just waiting for the highway to be made safe for all traffic."
In the meantime, he warns motorists to avoid the area and to not travel on the highway.
Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford said this morning help is on the way.
"We’re working closely with local authorities in Gravenhurst and across the Muskoka region to make sure they have everything they need to respond to yesterday’s snowstorm. Provincial resources are on hand and more are en route to help where needed.
"I’m relieved that there are no injuries or fatalities reported. Paramedics are checking in on the elderly and vulnerable people," said Ford.
"As cleanup crews continue their work, the best thing people in the area can do is stay home and stay safe until power is restored and roads and highways have been safely opened again."
-- With files from Jeff Turl
