A series of vehicle collisions brought Wednesday morning traffic to a standstill in Greater Sudbury, forcing the complete closure of two major transportation routes during peak commute hours.
Emergency responders were stretched thin as multiple incidents unfolded simultaneously around 8:30 a.m., with the most significant crashes occurring on the Maley Drive Extension and LaSalle Boulevard near St. Raphael Street. The severity of the collisions required complete road closures in both locations, creating a domino effect of traffic delays throughout the city's core.
Greater Sudbury Police Service confirmed they were managing "multiple calls for crashes" across the municipality. While specific details about injuries remain limited, the coordinated emergency response suggests serious incidents requiring immediate attention from police, paramedics, and traffic management units.
Commuters Face Widespread Disruption
The simultaneous closure of these key arterial roads created a perfect storm for morning travelers. Maley Drive Extension serves as a critical bypass route for industrial and commercial traffic, while LaSalle Boulevard functions as a main thoroughfare connecting residential areas to downtown Sudbury.
Drivers reported significant backups on alternative routes as navigation apps redirected vehicles through neighborhood streets not designed for high-volume traffic. The timing couldn't have been worse, occurring during the busy morning rush when students, workers, and commercial vehicles all compete for road space.
Winter Driving Conditions Suspected Factor
While police haven't released official causes, the incidents serve as a stark reminder that November in Northern Ontario brings rapidly changing driving conditions. Sudbury residents know all too well how quickly weather can transition from clear roads to slippery surfaces as temperatures fluctuate around freezing.
Key areas affected included:
- Maley Drive Extension - Complete closure between major intersections
- LaSalle Boulevard - Shutdown near St. Raphael Street
- Surrounding residential streets - Experienced unusual congestion as detours
- Downtown core - Felt ripple effects from the arterial road closures
Police are reminding drivers to adjust their speed for conditions, increase following distances, and ensure vehicles are properly prepared for winter driving. The early season incidents highlight how quickly multiple collisions can overwhelm emergency services and disrupt an entire city's transportation network.
As investigations continue, commuters are advised to check current road conditions through official city channels before evening travel. The closures serve as an early wake-up call for Sudbury drivers as winter weather establishes its grip on Northern Ontario roadways.
