The Thorold Tunnel will remain open for two way traffic through the winter.
Officials with the Niagara Region have announced an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation that will allow smaller two-ton snowplows to clear the snow through the winter months.
The equipment, resources, and personnel required to operate the plows will be provided at the Ministry's expense.
Regional officials caution the tunnel may be closed periodically to allow the smaller plows to clear heavy snow falls.
In the event of a closure, the MTO will set up highly visible signs and detours will be posted.
News of the agreement comes after concerns surfaced that the tunnel would need to close to two way traffic through the winter due to safety concerns.
The main challenge to overcome was the existing barrier separating the west and eastbound traffic would not allow a standard snowplow to operate in the tunnel.