Provincial police say a "suspicious package" is what led to Highway 400 being closed Thursday morning through parts of Barrie and Innisfil due to a possible threat involving explosives.
The highway was closed between Mapleview Drive and Innisfil Beach Road for several hours today. All lanes reopened shortly after 2 p.m.
Officers from the OPP's Highway Safety Division initiated an investigation following a traffic complaint at 11:07 a.m. on Aug. 1 about a disabled vehicle believed to contain a "suspicious" package in Highway 400's northbound lanes, south of Mapleview Drive in Barrie.
During the investigation, police say officers identified the potential for the package containing explosive materials. To ensure the safety of the motoring public and surrounding community, the OPP closed Highway 400 in both directions between Innisfil Beach Road and Mapleview Drive.
The OPP critical incident commander, explosive devices unit, canine unit and mobile support unit were all called to the scene.
According to police, no explosive materials were located in the vehicle and there was no risk to public safety.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The driver, a 42-year-old woman from Hanmer, Ont., which is located in the Sudbury area, was transported to hospital for medical assessment.
“The OPP would like to thank the Barrie Police Service, South Simcoe Police Service, Barrie Fire and Emergency Service, and County of Simcoe Paramedic Services for their prompt response and assistance,” OPP stated in a news release.
The highway was closed for approximately three hours.
