UPDATE at 1:05 p.m. on December 3, 2024: The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that Highway 11 is reopened in both directions between Orillia and Huntsville.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) may not provide accurate directions as there have been unpredictable road conditions and closures over the past few days.
Houseys Rapids Road, Uffington Road, Southwood Road and Beiers Road are closed. The northbound ramp at Luigi Road also remains closed at this time.
Plan your trip before leaving by visiting the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) website for road conditions and closures at 511on.ca.
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UPDATE at 10:05 p.m. on December 2, 2024: 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 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 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.
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UPDATE at 1:30 p.m. on December 2, 2024: Highway 11 northbound lanes have reopened from West Street in Orillia. Crews are continuing to work on clearing the remaining snow on both the northbound and southbound lanes between West Street in Orillia and Highway 60 in Huntsville.
The southbound lanes of Highway 11, from Highway 60 in Huntsville to West Street in Orillia, are expected to reopen at approximately 4:00 p.m. today.
Except for Luigi Road, all on ramps and off ramps are cleared.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police continue to work collaboratively with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, road maintenance contractors and operators of snow removal equipment to clear Highway 11 and prepare for a full reopening.
Updates to follow. Please monitor 511on.ca for updated road conditions.
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Update at 11:50 a.m. on December 2, 2024: Snow clearing efforts are continuing on Highway 11, between Highway 60 in Huntsville and West Street in Orillia.
The northbound lanes of Highway 11 from West St. Orillia are expected to reopen at approximately 12:00 p.m., and the southbound lanes from Highway 60 in Huntsville are expected to reopen later in the afternoon.
Except for Luigi Road, all on- and off-ramps are cleared.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police continue to work collaboratively with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, road maintenance contractors and operators of snow removal equipment to clear Highway 11 and prepare for a full reopening.
Updates to follow, please monitor 511on.ca for updated road conditions.
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Members of the Ontario Provincial Police continue to work with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, road maintenance contractors and operators of snow removal equipment to clear Highway 11 and prepare for a full reopening.
As a result of the significant snow accumulation in the region, Highway 11 and other roads in the area became impassable. Hundreds of vehicles and drivers became stranded as a result.
Crews continue to work in the area, all vehicles have been removed and snow removal continues. A reopening of Highway 11 is expected in the coming hours of Monday, December 2, 2024.
Updates to follow, please monitor 511on.ca for updated road conditions.
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Reportedly, Hwy 11 north and south from Utterson/Hwy 141 to Huntsville Hwy 60 were dry and clear. YET all 3 exits of Huntsville’s on/off ramp gates were CLOSED?
How did emergency ambulance services access the areas to HWY 141 with these gates closed?
I wonder if we will get a shootout from BB for all those snowmobiles who helped rescue stranded motorists on the 11?