Westbound lanes of Highway 401 have reopened in eastern Ontario but eastbound lanes remain closed after numerous collisions involving as many as 50 vehicles in the Quinte West area closed the busy highway on Tuesday.

Ontario Provincial Police have reported collisions and lane closures on a 100-kilometre stretch between Brighton and Odessa.

Highway 401 chopper Several vehicles were damaged in collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. Eastbound lanes were closed between Brighton, Ont. and Belleville, Ont. (Ted Brooks/CTV News Toronto)

The initial reports of crashes in Quinte West came at around 8:30 a.m. in 2.5-km stretch of the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 in Quinte West. OPP said there were no fatal or serious injuries, but three to four people were transported to the hospital.

As of 4:45 p.m. eastbound lanes of Highway 401 remain closed between County Road 30 in Brighton, west of Trenton, and Wallbridge Loyalist Road in Belleville.

“It is a very clear reminder of how important it is to slow down and give space between you and the vehicle in front of you,” said OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton in a video posted to social media.

Quinte West OPP continues to investigate a series of multi-vehicle collisions which happened Tuesday, January 27, around 8:30am. This involved a total of approximately 50 vehicles. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or serious injuries. 3-4 people were transported to hospital… pic.twitter.com/OvsMNVi7M6

— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) January 27, 2026

A snow squall warning was in effect for the area Tuesday morning, with blowing snow and near-zero visibility expected. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reported snow-covered lanes and reduced visibility along the highway between Quinte West and Napanee. Police issued a travel advisory for roads east of Trenton due to deteriorating road conditions.

Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS)

Westbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed between Wallbridge Loyalist Road and Glen Miller Road in Trenton for several hours Tuesday, eventually reopening at around 3:15 p.m.

Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS)

Closures were also reported in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 at Palace Road near Napanee, and at Camden East Road near Odessa, both east of Belleville. The latter was cleared just after 2 p.m. and the former was cleared just before 2:30 p.m.

Fiery crashes close part of Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario Multiple collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ont. led to lengthy closures Tuesday after snow squalls moved through the region.

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.

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.”

Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS)

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, with 5 to 10 cm expected as a result of squalls on Tuesday.

In PicturesHighway 401 chopper Several vehicles were damaged in collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. Eastbound lanes were closed between Brighton, Ont. and Belleville, Ont. (Ted Brooks/CTV News Toronto) Highway 401 chopper Several vehicles were damaged in collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. Eastbound lanes were closed between Brighton, Ont. and Belleville, Ont. (Ted Brooks/CTV News Toronto) Highway 401 chopper Several vehicles were damaged in collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. Eastbound lanes were closed between Brighton, Ont. and Belleville, Ont. (Ted Brooks/CTV News Toronto) Highway 401 chopper Several vehicles were damaged in collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. Eastbound lanes were closed between Brighton, Ont. and Belleville, Ont. (Ted Brooks/CTV News Toronto) Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS) Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS) Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS) Hwy 401 collision QUINTE NEWS Collisions closed parts of Highway 401 in Quinte West on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CREDIT: QUINTE NEWS) Hwy 401 Palace Road OPP A tractor trailer collision on Highway 401 at Palace Road near Napanee, Ont. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, caused lane closures. (OPP/X) Hwy 401 Palace Road OPP A tractor trailer collision on Highway 401 at Palace Road near Napanee, Ont. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, caused lane closures. (OPP/X) Hwy 401 Palace Road OPP A tractor trailer collision on Highway 401 at Palace Road near Napanee, Ont. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, caused lane closures. (OPP/X) 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) 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) Hwy 401 WB at Wallbridge Rd A picture of Highway 401 westbound at Wallbridge Road in Belleville, Ont. Jan. 27, 2026. (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario/511on.ca) 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)