Written By David Gomez
ADELAIDE METCALFE - Five transport trucks jackknifed near Kerwood Road in January. Weeks later, another winter storm left secondary roads clogged with stranded vehicles, creating dangerous conditions for motorists and emergency crews.
These incidents were among the examples presented to council on October 19, as Fire Chief Dan Parker outlined concerns about recurring Highway 402 closures and the consequences of diverting traffic onto local and county roads.
During a closure on February 6 and 7, which lasted approximately 48 hours, Napperton Drive and Confederation Drive became impassable. Traffic shifted to Katesville Drive, Churchill Line and surrounding roads. A towing operator reportedly recovered approximately 30 passenger vehicles, while firefighters encountered five transport trucks and about 15 cars obstructing the intersection of Sexton Road and Katesville Drive.
A 10-vehicle collision at Calvert Drive and Sexton Road on February 7 resulted in minor injuries, with three people transported to hospital.
Parker explained that secondary roads often have narrower lanes, limited shoulders and opposing traffic, making diversions particularly challenging during winter storms. Congestion can also delay emergency vehicles, while using fire apparatus to block highway traffic exposes firefighters and municipal equipment to additional risks.
Councillor Betty Ann MacKinnon raised the possibility of installing warning signals along Highway 402 during significant snowfall. “Could we maybe incorporate that as well as asking for better coordination between the groups (the Ministry of Transport, OPP, and the County of Middlesex and affected municipalities)?” she asked.
Parker noted that conditions can change considerably between communities, particularly when snow squalls develop off Lake Huron.
Mayor Sue Clarke suggested bringing the issue before the OPP detachment board and potentially requesting a delegation with the Ministry of Transportation at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in January.
Parker also informed council that the ministry had recently contacted him and discussions were expected around late October or early November.
Councillor Garett Kingma questioned whether temporary speed reductions could be introduced on diversion routes, including Mullifarry Drive. Public Works Manager Coulter Cahill agreed to investigate the municipality’s authority to implement such measures.
Kingma also suggested exploring a program similar to one in Lambton County that compensates farmers for leaving rows of corn standing to reduce drifting snow.
Cahill acknowledged the effectiveness of natural snow barriers but said he would need to determine whether Middlesex County might consider such an arrangement.
Rather than immediately requesting provincial action, council directed staff to prepare a report for the incoming council outlining possible measures to reduce the risks associated with highway closures.
On the other hand, earlier in the meeting, council approved the 2026–2031 Middlesex Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, addressing housing, mental health, transportation and other regional priorities.
Furthermore, council received the fire department’s third-quarter report. Parker reported 26 emergency responses, including nine motor vehicle collisions and five fire-related incidents. The department also received a $5,000 grant for fire prevention education and completed additional firefighter training.
