9 p.m. update on Wawa emergency situation (4 photos)
Friday, October 26, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
OPP NEWS RELEASE
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WAWA - The Ontario Provincial Police Superior East Wawa Detachment advise that Highway 17 at Wawa continues to be closed both north bound and south bound.
The highway has been closed as a result of high levels of water has caused the road to erode away.
Currently the Municipality of Wawa has declared a state of emergency.
Work continues on the road to the Michipicoten First Nation.
Reports from the Municipality of Wawa Public Works Department indicate that one lane is estimated to be open in three to four days.
There are three washout areas on Harbour Road that need to be repaired as well two more on the Michipicoten First Nation Road.
The Public Works Department further advises that Tremblay Flats road is open and final work to the road will be completed tomorrow.
Transfield along with various construction companies continue to work on Highway 17 north and south bound.
Their primary goal is to get the highway safe again for the motoring public.
Lady Dunn Health Centre advises that they are operating as normal.
Arrangements have been made for alternate out of town hospital care in communities are accessible should the need arise.
Highway 101 just east of Wawa remains open.
OPP advise motorists to drive with caution for the first 10 kilometres when leaving Wawa.
Phone lines and 911 services in Dubreuilville, Hawk Junction and Missinabie are not available.
Bell Canada is aware of this and is currently working to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.
The OPP is working jointly with Michipicoten First Nation and the Municipality of Wawa to ensure that public safety is the priority.
It is important that the public use caution when travelling in the area.
OPP want to remind the motorists that are using the alternate highways to go around the Wawa area that after 10 p.m. fuel will become increasing difficult to purchase.
Please ensure your vehicle is fuelled up prior to heading out.
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