The mayor of Kapuskasing says the latest crash on Highway 11 highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and reliability of Northern Ontario’s highway network.

In a statement issued March 9, Mayor Dave Plourde said the town is thinking of those affected by the recent collision near the community and thanked first responders who attended the scene.

The crash follows a serious multi-vehicle collision on Highway 11 near Smooth Rock Falls that involved several transport trucks and a passenger vehicle. One person died, and another was seriously injured, and the highway was closed for nearly 18 hours.

Plourde said the incident again raises broader concerns shared across Northern Ontario about highway safety and the frequent closures that can isolate communities.

For residents of the region, he said, Highway 11 is more than just a road. It is a critical link connecting communities and allowing people to travel for work, medical appointments, education and family commitments.

“When Highway 11 is closed, the impacts are immediate and far-reaching,” Plourde said in the statement, noting that communities can quickly become isolated and emergency services may face delays.

He added that residents are increasingly adjusting travel plans because of uncertainty around road conditions and closures along the corridor.

Plourde said improving safety and reliability on Northern highways must remain a priority. He called for continued provincial and federal leadership to strengthen highway safety measures, improve winter maintenance, enhance emergency response coordination and advance long-term infrastructure planning.

Investments that improve highway conditions, visibility and reliability will help reduce risks and give travellers greater confidence when using the route, he said.