The eastbound lanes of a major Quebec highway have reopened after an overnight accident forced a significant closure early Saturday morning.
Closure Details and Reopening
According to an official statement from Quebec's transport ministry, the eastbound lanes of Highway 40 near Trois-Rivières reopened on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The closure was initiated due to an accident that occurred overnight. The affected stretch was specifically between the Boulevard des Récollets and Centre-ville exits.
Impact on Motorists
The closure caused considerable disruption for Saturday morning travel. Authorities diverted motorists onto local roads, which led to heavy congestion being reported in the area. Drivers faced significant delays as they navigated the alternative routes.
Return to Normal Traffic Flow
With the highway now reopened, the transport ministry indicated that traffic is expected to resume gradually to normal levels. Crews have cleared the scene, allowing for the safe flow of vehicles to continue. Officials remind drivers to remain cautious when travelling through areas where recent incidents have occurred.
The quick response and clearance efforts helped restore a vital transportation link for the region. No further details about the cause of the accident or potential injuries were immediately provided in the ministry's statement regarding the Highway 40 incident.
