Road Reports

Construction is expected to create some short delays near the Dryden Memorial Arena today.

The City of Dryden says Arthur Street, from Whyte Avenue to Van Horne Avenue, will be closed to traffic until 4 p.m. as crews work on repairs to the area’s water distribution system.

Public Works apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks the public for their cooperation. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to call their office at 807-223-2367.

Falling snow and white out conditions have caused area roads and highways to become very slick and drivers are reporting that traffic is moving very slowly.

Update: All collisions mentioned below are now clear.

There is also a reported collision on Highway 2 northbound, between Crossiron Drive and the Balzac exit ramps. 

Another collision on northbound QE2 by Stoney trail is also being reported at this time.

Another earlier collision on the QE2 Northboud near the weigh scales is clear, there is some residual volume in the area. 

We are getting lots of reports about black ice spots on area highways, especially north of us on the QE2, near Carstairs. 

It's recommended that drivers turn on their lights and maintain a safe following distance, leaving lots of room between vehicles, making sure they are completely brushed off and that you are giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. 

Watch out for Icy patches, especially on bridge decks, overpasses, intersections and exit ramps. 

Kenora – Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says the government's new safety improvements for Highway 11 and Highway 17 will help to save the lives of northwestern Ontarians each winter.

The Ministry of Transportation says after a technical review of safety and snow-clearing on Highway 11 and 17, they will be implementing a new ‘ON Trans-Canada’ service level with snow expected to be cleared to bare pavement within 12 hours of a snowstorm.

The Ontario government is promising to improve the safety of northwestern Ontario’s highways over the winter season.

The Ministry of Transportation explains that after a technical review of the safety and snow clearing on the two highways, they will be implementing a new ‘ON Trans-Canada” level of service with snow expected to be cleared to bare pavement within 12 hours of a snowstorm.

That’s a 4-hour improvement over what northwestern Ontario currently sees.

The incident has been cleared. 

A multi-vehicle collision was reported on Saturday afternoon on the QEII Highway Northbound, past the junction with Highway 566, in Balzac.

There were reports of traffic delays in the area.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com 

Update: The scene is now cleared. 
 

Drivers in Kenora are asked to avoid the 3rd Street North area this afternoon as crews work to repair a hydro pole.

A resident reported a power or cable line being too low to the roadway to city crews this morning, after a piece of equipment fell off of the hydro pole.

Drivers throughout the region are asked to drive with caution today, after multiple accidents have been reported on Highway 17. With more flurries in the forecast, roads are expected to be slick over the next few days.

Major traffic delays are being reported in the Dryden area after a collision near 7/11 and the Husky Fuel stations.

Drivers are reporting long lines of traffic along Highway 17 in Dryden, and residents are asked to use alternate routes at this time.

There’s no word on any injuries at this time.

This is the second major collision reported on Highway 17 today, after a fatal collision near Ignace near 12:30 a.m. Roads were closed until 10:30 a.m. or so. 

Highway 17 has reopened between Dryden, Ignace and Thunder Bay after an early morning collision which took the life of one person.

The Ministry of Transportation reports that the collision occurred around 12:30 a.m near the Revell Township, west of Ignace.

Highway closures included near the Tim Hortons and Walmart in Dryden to Ignace, as well as between Ignace and Thunder Bay.

Discover Airdrie has since learned that one person died as a result of the crash. 

Airdrie Rural RCMP advises that they are now clear of the collision scene that occurred at Big Hill Springs Road and Range Road 24.

"This was a two-vehicle head-on collision. One vehicle was occupied by two female youths. The driver was transported to a Calgary hospital by EMS in stable condition. The passenger was transported to a Calgary hospital via STARS and is in life-threatening condition," an RCMP press release stated.