Road Reports

The Highway is back open, crews were able to clear the scene and reopened Highway 71 around 1 a.m. Thursday morning. 

-----Original Story Below-----

Highway 71 is closed at Muskie Bay Hill as per a report from Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Fire Chief, Mike Kakeeway.

He said a tractor-trailer unit has hit the ditch forcing the highway to close. 

Firefighters are on the scene, and no injuries have been reported. 

Kakeeway mentioned highway conditions are unfavorable and icy. 

Heavy fog has settled over the region reducing visibility to near zero in some areas.

Environment Canada says the fog will dissipate after midnight when the wind becomes stronger.

Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.

The special weather statement for the Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Sioux Lookout, and the surrounding communities has ended and is now being classified as weather advisory. 

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory in effect Wednesday night into Thursday evening.

Barricades on the Black Sturgeon Bridge just outside of Kenora will be removed soon, due to safety concerns in the area.

Contractors and the Ministry of Transportation finished resurfacing one lane of the roadway earlier this summer before they placed concrete barriers in the middle of the road – blocking off the other lane to prevent two-way traffic.

Detachment Commander and Inspector with the Kenora OPP, Jeff Duggan, explained why the MTO is now working to remove those barriers.

A rail crossing and a portion of Railway Street in Kenora has been closed following today's collision between a train and tractor trailer.

The City of Kenora says, "the Railway Street rail crossing is closed to all traffic now and will remain closed on Saturday, December 4, to allow CP Rail to assess and repair an accident site."

Additionally, Railway Street, between Gould Road and Homestake Road, is also closed. Signs and barricades are in place.

The City does warn that the closure may be extended to Sunday, December 5, if necessary.

A freezing drizzle advisory has been put into effect for Northwestern Ontario. 

Periods of freezing drizzle are occurring this morning. The freezing drizzle is expected to change over to snow early this afternoon.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Freezing drizzle can produce thin, hard-to-detect layers of ice. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.

The freezing drizzle advisory has ended.

--- Original Story ---

Residents are warned about a freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Ignace and English River.

Areas of freezing drizzle mixed with light snow are expected in the area tonight, and roadways are expected to be slick.

Freezing drizzle advisories are issued when drizzle falling in sub-zero temperatures is expected to freeze on contact and create icy surfaces.

11:53am UPDATE: The highway has been reopened.

9:30am UPDATE: Traffic is beginning to move slowly. Clean up crew is still on site and drivers are asked to proceed with caution.
 

Highway 17 is closed in both directions following an early morning incident.

A collision occurred in the area of Pye’s Road in Clearwater Bay.

There are no reports of injuries at this time and it is unclear when the highway will reopen.

The City of Kenora is looking to ‘question the norm’ and improve their snow clearing services after a recent major snowfall.

Environment Canada is tracking a snowstorm that is expected to hit the far north regions of northwestern Ontario.

The storm is expected to bring 10 to 20 cm of snow, strong wind gusts, and limited visibility for motorists.

Some areas are in a Snowfall Warning while others are in a Special Weather Statement. 

The affected communities are Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake, Eastern Lac Seul, Savant Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Red Lake, Ear Falls, Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, and Wunnummin Lake.