Skip to content

ONTARIO: No end in sight for Highway 17 east closure

The ministry has observed massive damage to the shoulder and embankment on both sides of the highway

Travellers going east on Highway 17 are going to have to be patient.

It doesn't appear that a quick fix is in store for the heavily traveled roadway.

The OPP and Ministry of Transportation closed Highway 17 at Bissett Creek, just east of Mattawa on Monday, April 22, due to washed-out shoulders and embankments. 

Although contractors are working hard to make repairs and get the highway open, it won't be today and a news release from the MTO makes it clear there is plenty of work to do. 

Motorists will have to endure a lengthy detour route. Northbound traffic should take Highway 60 to Highway 11 northbound. Southbound detour is Highway 11 to Hwy 60. 

"During the past three days, ministry engineers and our engineer foundations consultant have been on-site and have identified a plan to make the necessary repairs to re-open Highway 17 safely," says Brandy Duhaime, MTO Regional Communications Coordinator.

"The ministry has observed massive damage to the shoulder and embankment on both sides of the highway. At this point, the damage caused by the back up of water was as a result of a blocked culvert. This culvert is currently sitting under 9 metres of water which is preventing us from completing an assessment of the culvert."

The contractor is installing a temporary culvert to help lower the water level and stabilize the embankment.

"The water needs to be drained slowly to ensure no impacts to the environment downstream and to prevent further highway washouts," explains Duhaime. "This will take several hours. Once the water level has decreased ministry staff and contractors will assess all of the damage and identify how much work is required to complete the repairs and open the highway safely. "

Later today, a Ground Penetrating Radar  (GPR) will be used to help identify the extent of damage under Highway 17 and to detect any potential voids.

"Once the GPR arrives on-site, all other work will stop," adds Duhaime. "Results of the GPR will determine the next steps. If there are no impacts under the highway, contractors will continue draining the water and will be able to refill the highway and fixed the washed-out areas. If there are major impacts under the highway, the ministry and its foundation engineers will need to make further recommendations."

Follow 511on.ca for updates.

Meanwhile, OPP say they've issued several tickets to drivers trying to travel the road despite being closed.

"People driving on the closed highway after ignoring all of these signs," say OPP. "Stay off the closed highway!"

- WIth files from BayToday.ca/Jeff Turl



Comments


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
Read more