Highway crews are working as quickly as they can to restore washed out roads, but in some cases it’s simply not safe to start working yet and, according to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, drivers should be careful as several highways have experienced washouts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Among the roads suffering heavy damage are those leading into Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Access to the park is restricted due to road washouts.
“Drivers are reminded that travel may not be possible in some areas and conditions can change quickly,” said the province in a release. “Manitobans are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through floodwater or around barricades.”
In addition, the province is asking drivers to be extra cautious as emergency crews will be out working more than usual in these conditions. Among the resources deployed are over 50 Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure staff installing signage and assessing damage to highways, bridges and water infrastructures, 16 personnel from the Canada Task Force 4 search and rescue team, including off-road vehicles, four boats, various pumps, generators and other vehicles that can assist with evacuations if needed, 21 personnel from the Manitoba Fire Service representing The Pas, Gilbert Plains, Dauphin, Winnipegosis and Laurier (Riding Mountain Mutual Aid District) fire departments, and a helicopter available to assist with emergency evacuations and rescue if needed.
Before travelling, drivers should check current highway conditions at https://manitoba511.ca/ or by calling 511.
