Spring Flood and Thaw 2017 - Status update - Route 138 - Johan-Beetz Bay at Aguanish

BAIE-COMEAU, QC, May 14, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l'Électrification des transports is issuing an update regarding the status of Route 138, that is currently closed in Johan-Beetz Bay at Aguanish, since May 7^th.

Barricades were pushed 13 kilometers east to Johan-Beetz Bay and 35 kilometers west of Aguanish, in order to surround the work area. This new configuration allows local traffic and enables access to secondary residences, via secondary roads.

Update on the work

Saturday May 13^th, work was initiated in the Johan-Beetz Bay area at kilometer 1305. It consisted of creating a breach in the road to let the water flow. Starting today, work will be conducted around-the-clock to re-establish traffic as soon as possible.

A culvert was also replaced and others will be added to prevent similar situations. The road is currently damaged and a complete reconstruction is necessary on a distance of 300 meters. Upon reopening, the road will first be on gravel, but traffic will be secured. Paving will be completed subsequently.

The Ministère will issue status updates on a daily basis for local communities and the concerned municipalities. 

While the Ministère was assessing the situation, a bypass road was analysed but wasn't considered. Since its construction time frame was identic to rebuilding the roadbed on a 300 meters distance, the option was discarded. The road will be secured before traffic is permitted.

Air and sea bridges

The Organisation régionale de la sécurité civile (ORSC) is currently coordinating the establishment of air and sea bridges. Terms will be unveiled shortly.

The Ministère will continue its active monitoring of the road network and will communicate any new information in a timely manner. More information on hindrances and road conditions are available online at Québec 511.

The Ministère would like to thank road users for their understanding and collaboration and invites them to drive safely.

SOURCE Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l'Électrification des transports

Caroline Rondeau, Communications Advisor, Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l'Électrification des transports, Phone : [phone] ext 2375, Media hotline : [phone]