It’s going to take motorists a little longer to travel along Highway 17 through Blind River.
As of Friday, Aug. 17, the maximum speed in the Causley Street bridge construction zone will go from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. The speed change was agreed upon following a meeting between town officials and the local OPP detachment which is charged with policing in the town.
The reduction is meant to increase safety to workers working on the Connecting Link stretch of the Trans Canada Highway in Blind River.
Blind River Mayor Sue Jensen said the reduction was agreed upon at the meeting earlier this month and she cautioned drivers to be aware of the lower speed limit. Signs posting the new speed limit are expected to be in place by tomorrow, if not sooner, deputy clerk Pam Walsh told council at its meeting on Aug. 13.
The work is part of a two-year plan to resurface the busy roadway and bridge. Lanes have already been reduced to two from four as part of the work.