From 7:00 am on Wednesday to 10:15 am today, Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 54 motor vehicle collisions on Highway 401 and County Roads, with the majority being on the 401. The extreme weather conditions and poor visibility did contributed to yesterday’s events; however drivers not adjusting their driving habits to comply with the changing road conditions and visibility are also a factor in these collisions. OPP have been reminding motorists all winter to slow down and drive accordingly.
OPP are now on scene of three separate collisions of westbound 401 between Wesleyville Road and Newtonville Road with two lanes being closed at this time for investigation. Fire and EMS are en route to assist with possible injuries. Road conditions in that area are black ice. Motorists are asked to slow down, move over for emergency vehicles and be prepared for delays.
Further updates on this will be provided when the information becomes available.
OPP is also in the process of assisting tow companies in removing the tractor trailer units that were left after collisions along the 401 yesterday because weather conditions were not suitable for removal and for safety reasons to the officers and other motorists on scene. Police are asking for the public to be cautious travelling the westbound 401, west of County Road 30 near Brighton while these removals take place. The highway will remain open, but will be down to one lane.