OPP officers directing traffic at the Bruce Street/Hwy. 17 intersection | Mik Horvath/MBC
The mayor of Horton says Wednesday afternoon’s collision on Highway 17 is yet another reason to expand the road as soon as possible.
Traffic along the highway was diverted through Renfrew after a tractor trailer crashed along the bridge over the Bonnechere River just outside of town, closing the road between the intersections with O’Brien Road and Bruce Street until the overnight hours on Thursday.
In a note to the community, Daina Proctor thanks her township’s first responders and public works for their rapid response to the accident, adding that she’s deeply grateful that the incident did not result in serious injuries.
However, the complete closure of the highway highlights the significant impact that disruptions can have on what is an essential thru-way for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
She’s now urging the province to renew their focus on the recently announced twinning of the highway from Arnprior to Renfrew, calling the project a critical safety requirement for the region.
(written by Kasey Egan)