Update 2:46 p.m. Friday: Quebec 511 and O.P.P. report the eastbound Highway 20 has reopened as of 2:28 p.m.
RIVIERE-BEAUDETTE, Que. – The eastbound lanes of Highway 20 (what Highway 401 turns into when you hit the Quebec border) were closed after a multi-vehicle crash Friday.
According to Quebec 511, there are four separate crash sites within a two kilometer stretch of the freeway involving a total of eight tractor trailers and 12 other vehicles.
#A20 est (Souvenir) à Rivière-Beaudette. 4 sites d’accidents entre les km 0,5 et 1,5 impliquant 8 semi-remorques et 12 autres véhicules routiers. Une seule voie disponible.
— Québec 511 (@Qc511_Mtl) February 7, 2020
Drivers are reportedly still able to get through the area, but the slowdown has created a backup several kilometers long.
Westbound lanes of Highway 20 and Highway 401 are not affected.
East Region O.P.P. are recommending drivers take County Road 34 at Lancaster or Highway 138 at Cornwall, north to Highway 417, and then east into Quebec.
“Traffic is backed up and will be for some time,” the O.P.P. tweeted.
The region has been dealing with an intense snowstorm which is expected to dump 25-35 centimeters (10-14 inches) of snow by tonight.