OPP suggest alternative route to Wawa during flooding

OPP do not recommend travelling through Ranger Lake's gravel roads that might be washed out as well, though going through Thessalon then north may be safe

Photo of Highway 17 at Alona Bay provided by SooToday reader Georgina Lentz

If you’re trying to circumvent the flooding and road closure on highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie don’t try to go via Ranger Lake Road.

If you must travel, going through Thessalon will be safer say Ontario Provincial Police.

Earlier today OPP closed off the Trans Canada Highway at Alona Bay, blocking a stretch of the highway between Batchawana Bay and Wawa.

The OPP have said the closure is expected to last until at least tomorrow and while some may be tempted to circumvent the flooding by going through Ranger Lake Road, it’s not recommended says Ontario Provincial Police Sergeant Todd Pelletier in the Sault.

“I would not recommend going up Ranger Lake Road because there is probably washouts through there - it’s a gravel road.... The only safe route would be take Highway 17 to Thessalon then go north on Highway 129 to Chapleau then back west by 101 to Wawa,” said Pelletier.