Westbound Hwy. 401 closed in Whitby after overhead sign falls on highway

The Ontario Provincial Police say all westbound lanes are closed on Highway 401 in Whitby due to a fallen overhead road sign.

Police said the sign had collapsed near Brock Street on Friday morning prompting officers to shut down that stretch of highway.

All westbound traffic of Highway 401 is being directed off at Thickson Road.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said a witness came forward and identified a transport truck “responsible” for crashing into the sign as it was driving with the box up.

The overhead sign was seen with a large scratch and indent mark and Schmidt said the collision caused the sign to buckle and collapse onto the highway.

Schmidt said the witness reported seeing the driver of the truck pulled over up the road and then got out of the vehicle, dropped the box into a vertical position and then exited onto Brock Street.

Schmidt said the OPP have identified the truck and driver involved in crashing into the overhead sign and are looking to lay charges.

No injuries were reported.

Schmidt said reopening the roadway will require some heavy equipment such as bringing in a crane to remove the sign that’s blocking the highway.

Police are warning motorists to expect delays and take alternate routes.