This shopping centre still has a 1 km backup on Highway 401

If you skipped the Boxing Day rush but plan to head out this weekend for deals, you might want to reconsider or prepare for some delays in Halton Hills.

As of this afternoon, traffic on Highway 401 is backed up over 1 km, with significant congestion near the Toronto Premium Outlet Mall and surrounding shopping centres.

Shoppers and drivers heading into the area today (Dec. 28) should prepare for lengthy delays, as congestion on the westbound off-ramp at Trafalgar Road could persist into the evening.

The OPP have not indicated whether road closures are foreseeable nor advised the use of alternate routes. However, that was not the case earlier this week.

On Dec. 26, the OPP issued a warning to residents and visitors in the Halton area about major traffic disruptions. The alert, shared on social media around 8 a.m., reported severe gridlock on the westbound off-ramp at Trafalgar Road.

At the time, traffic delays had already stretched past Highway 407 westbound, according to live camera feeds.

Police advised drivers to use the Winston Churchill Boulevard exit as an alternative to ensure a safe and smooth journey. Law enforcement also urged motorists not to park or walk on the shoulder of the highway or exit ramp.

Mississauga OPP were on-site throughout the day to monitor the area and, for unspecified safety reasons, closed the westbound off-ramp to Trafalgar Road for a period of time.