News release

Crews Continue to Repair Roads After Rainy Weekend

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Highway crews and private contractors are out in full force today, Sept. 8, repairing roads and bridges damaged by rainfall over the weekend.

"The heavy rainfall resulted in new damage over the weekend," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Workers have been able to make substantial progress, and will continue to make repairs until all roads are restored."

In Cumberland County, damage includes a culvert washout on Route 242 near Strathcona. A temporary culvert is being put in place, and the road is expected to reopen later this evening.

Other damages includes road washouts along two areas of Route 301 -- one at the intersection with Mt. Pleasant Road near Oxford, and the other near Port Howe. The Oxford section is closed for repairs, and is expected to be reopened by late Tuesday, Sept. 9. Damage to the Port Howe section is more significant and is under review. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of September. Detours for both areas are marked.

The following roads in Cumberland County are closed for repairs and are expected to be completed within a few days: Dixon Road, Mansfield Road, Route 302 in Maccan, Taylor Road, and North Wallace Road. Little Forks Road is also closed, and drivers are advised to use Athol Road as an alternate route.

Willow Street and Pumping Station Road are reduced to one lane and repairs are expected to be completed shortly. Water Street in Oxford and Pugwash Junction Road have been repaired and are reopened.

In Inverness County, Upper South West Mabou Road, commonly known as the Irish Road, is closed between Maron Road and the Rear Intervale Road. It will be closed for at least two weeks until repairs are made.

The truss bridge on Murray Hill Road is also closed indefinitely due to damage from the last two rain storms. The bridge will be assessed by engineers and will be closed until repairs can be completed.

"Our road workers are doing a tremendous job in getting our highways and roads back to working order," said Mr. Scott. "Please continue to drive with caution, especially in areas where repairs are underway, to ensure everyone's safety."

The total cost of repairs is still being assessed but is expected to be several hundred thousand dollars.