Ontario Provincial Police say as many as 50 vehicles were involved in collisions on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario on Tuesday.
A snow squall warning is in effect for the area, with blowing snow and near-zero visibility expected at times. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is reporting snow-covered lanes and reduced visibility along the highway between Quinte West and Napanee.
According to the MTO, eastbound lanes of Highway 401 are closed at County Road 30 in Brighton, west of Trenton, and westbound lanes are closed at Wallbridge Loyalist Road in Belleville.
Hwy 401 WB at Wallbridge Road MTO A picture of Highway 401 westbound at Wallbridge Road in Belleville, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario/511on.ca)
OPP said Emergency responders were checking on every stranded vehicle to ensure the safety of the people trapped on the highway and buses were transporting stranded people to the Trenton Arena, where a warming centre was set up.
Injuries were reported in collisions between Brighton and Shannonville Tuesday morning, but police did not immediately say how many people were hurt. None of the injuries was considered life-threatening, OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson said.
Police issued a travel advisory for roads east of Trenton due to deteriorating road conditions.
Police said just after 12 p.m. that driveable vehicles were starting to be cleared from westbound lanes in Quinte West and tow trucks were standing by in the area.
“Expect a prolonged closure, as investigation and clean-up efforts continue. OPP working with the community to assist people and ensure their safety,” police said on social media.
“OPP recognizes that extended highway closures can be challenging and frustrating. All emergency crews are actively working towards reopening the highway as quickly and safely as possible, despite the difficult weather conditions. Public safety is our top priority, and your cooperation and understanding are appreciated.”
OPP 401 conditions Snow-covered lanes are pictured on Highway 401 east of Napanee, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. Multiple collisions involving dozens of vehicles have closed parts of the highway. (OPP/X)
Just after 12:30 p.m., OPP reported a collision involving two transport trucks on Highway 401 westbound at Lennox and Addington Road 4 in Odessa, west of Kingston, closing all westound lanes.
“There is no access to Highway 401 eastbound from Lennox & Addington Road 4 or from the Napanee ONroute,” OPP said.
This comes a day after a winter storm led to more than 100 collisions in eastern Ontario on Monday, according to the OPP.
Belleville saw 35 cm of snow Monday, according to Environment Canada. The current snow squall warning calls for 5 to 10 cm Tuesday.