Highway closures southbound from Huntsville to Orillia: OPP

Highway 11 reopens after being shuttered days Provincial police reopened Highway 11 Monday night after closing it due to a snowstorm that hammered the region Saturday.

Southbound lane closures remain in effect from Highway 60 in Huntsville to Highway 11 in Orillia on Monday evening.

Provincial police reopened the northbound lanes early Monday afternoon, and initially thought the southbound lanes would be open to traffic by 4 p.m., but that wasn’t the case.

“Snow removal and cleanup efforts are ongoing on Highway 11 between Orillia and Huntsville,” OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said in a video posted to X shortly before 7 p.m.

“Due to the amount of snow and ice accumulation and the work involved in clearing those lanes, it will take longer than anticipated,” he added.

Schmidt said police hope to be able to reopen the southbound lanes by 10 p.m. Monday.

The closure comes after a significant snowstorm pummelled the area over the weekend, with snow squalls creating havoc on the roads.

Highway 11 was closed Saturday, leaving motorists stranded in the frigid conditions.

Officials urge motorists to stay put and only get behind the wheel for essential travel.