Police are urging drivers to exercise caution as officials work on repairing the guard rails.
A stretch of Highway 11 that was shut down on Friday due to several collisions has now reopened.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 10:30 a. m. after receiving reports of accidents involving approximately 20 to 30 vehicles, including two tractor-trailers, on the highway between Barrie and Orillia. There were minor injuries reported, and firefighters quickly extinguished a vehicle fire.
The highway remained closed for several hours because of weather conditions and the emergency response efforts. Stranded drivers were taken to a nearby warming center, according to a news release from Central Region OPP.
By around 6 p. m., all lanes had reopened, but Ministry of Transportation crews are still present to repair damaged guard rails. Police are advising motorists to drive carefully in this area.
Severe weather is anticipated in parts of the region this weekend, prompting police to offer the following advice:
Stay inside your vehicle if you’re stuck. Exiting your vehicle in winter weather can be very risky.
Clear snow and ice from your exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Run your engine occasionally for warmth instead of continuously, and save battery power.
Use blankets and extra clothing for warmth, keeping emergency supplies handy.
Turn on hazard lights while running your engine and attach a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle if it’s safe to do so.
Call 911 only for emergencies where immediate safety is at risk.
Motorists are also reminded about the consequences of disregarding road closures.
“Accessing closed roads is dangerous and illegal. Motorists who drive past road closure signs or barricades may face fines under the Highway Traffic Act. These closures are in place to protect both the public and emergency responders working in hazardous conditions,” police said.
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