Thursday, October 25, 2001

HEAVY RAIN ENDANGERING HIGHWAY CONDITIONS
Searchmont, Ont.,

Heavy rain throughout the night did cause some concern on Hwy 556 near the Northland Lake area.

At about 3:30 a.m. Sault Ste Marie O.P.P. were called to Hwy 556 at the Northland Lake rail crossing because of high water levels in the area. Railway inspectors for Algoma Central Railway notified the OPP that water levels at that location were very close to covering the highway.

At about the same time as this call was received, the rain started to subsided and the water level went down. There was no need to close the highway.

With weather forecasters calling for more rain for the next two days, motorists should be vigilant to the rising water levels throughout Northern Ontario and the effect they may have on the traveling public. The high water levels could cause highways to wash away in a matter of seconds.

If you see an area that you feel has the possibility to cause a problem, please call the O.P.P. or the M.T.O. as soon as