Northwestern Ontario highways reopen after winter storm

WDIO-TV
Officials closed several northwestern Ontario highways as a winter storm hit the region.[Ontario Provincial Police via Twitter]

All major highways in northwestern Ontario reopened Friday after a major winter storm that closed one 478-kilometer (297-mile) stretch of highway for more than 24 hours.

Portions of Highways 11, 17, 71, and 502 had been closed. Highway 11 from the Manitoba border to Shabaqua Corners was the first to close Thursday morning followed by the other highways Thursday evening, affecting travel between Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, and Thunder Bay.

The Ministry of Transportation reported multiple crashes in the region.

Highways 17, 71, and 502 reopened by midday Friday, followed by Highway 11 in the afternoon.

Winter storm and snowfall warnings were in effect for much of northwestern Ontario, while rainfall was expected in Thunder Bay.