On Wednesday, July 25 at around 4 a.m. a transport truck crashed through the westbound guardrail on Highway 401 in Greater Napanee.
The collision caused both westbound lanes to be closed for hours before one lane was eventually opened to traffic, although the OPP were once again forced to shut down both westbound lanes early Thursday morning in order for the recovery crews to remove the stranded trailer.
The OPP explained that an emergency detour route was set up in order for traffic to come off the 401, run smoothly around the incident, and then back onto the highway.
A portion of the detour runs through the intersection of Palace Road and County Road 2, which is surrounded by homes and business. The detour has caused a nearby business owner to voice his concerns on it.
“It impacts the ability for my patients to get into the office and they get diverted down Palace Road so they have to come around and then back up and then straight through,” said Peter Hawley, owner of Hawley Chiropractic Office.
Many drivers stuck in the heavy congestion were verbally upset with the OPP officers directing traffic, and the OPP explained to CKWS News that even though drivers want to turn right or left on blocked off streets, they must abide by the rules of the detour because it will ensure the safety for all involved.
The duration of the detour did not last long, as the OPP were able to reopen both westbound lanes on the 401 by 10 a.m., which was four hours ahead of schedule.
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