A large section of Highway 401 westbound near Chatham, Ontario, remains closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a transport truck collided with a provincial snowplow during the early morning hours. Ontario Provincial Police told CBC News the westbound lanes are closed from Bloomfield Road (Exit 81) to Queen’s Line (Exit 63).
Environment Canada and local reports said wind gusts up to 50 km/h created whiteout conditions as snow blew across the flat farmland. The London Free Press reported extremely low visibility and described travel across the region as likely to be challenging; the OPP reported 57 crashes in a 12-hour period. Road crews have been working in the same hazardous conditions to clear the scene.
Chatham-Kent Police Service and the OPP are managing heavy local traffic as drivers seek alternate routes on side roads. Officials said there was no estimated time for reopening as of 10 a.m. Monday. Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads unless travel is essential while dangerous conditions continue.
