Washout could close Highway for two to three days

OPP NEWS RELEASE

FLOODING AND WASHOUTS REPORTED

(Thessalon, ON) - Due to the extreme thunderstorms which occurred early this morning the extent of the flooding has extended beyond Sault Ste. Marie into East Algoma.

The following roadways have been affected by washouts and are closed,

Highway 17 east of Thessalon is closed in both directions due to a road washout and is expected to be closed for two to three days. An alternative route for west bound traffic is as follows; turn north on highway 546 in Iron Bridge continue to follow highway which will turn into highway 554 continue on highway 554 until highway 129, which is approximately 27kms. Turn south on highway 129 and continue to highway 17. East bound traffic is currently being re-routed north on highway 129 to highway 554 which will turn into highway 546 and will continue to highway 17 in Iron Bridge.

Other closures include:

• All roads located in Plummer Additional Township are closed.
• McPhail Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Ansonia Road east of Hopper Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Duff Road is closed due to a road washout and OPP are currently investigating a motor vehicle collision at that location.
• Plummer Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Sunset Beach Road, Iron Bridge is closed due to a road washout.
• Basswood Lake Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Pineridge Road between Highway 17 and Ingram Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Gordon Lake Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Government Road is closed due to a road washout.
• Diamond Lake Road is closed due to a road washout.

There are currently several emergency services and road crews on scene at each location dealing with the road conditions.

It is anticipated that more washouts and more road closures will be reported in the coming hours.

More details will follow.