News release

Update on Provincial Response to Flooding, Safety Reminders

Public Works

NOTE: For the latest on provincial road conditions and closures, follow @511ns on Twitter at https://twitter.com/511ns , call 511 or visit: https://511.novascotia.ca/

Nearly 500 sections of damaged paved and gravel roads and 60 road shoulders have been repaired since last weekend’s record storm caused severe flooding and damaged many roads and bridges.

Crews have also replaced 62 culverts as work to repair and replace critical infrastructure continues. There are still about 20 provincial road closures, down from nearly 60 on Saturday, July 22.

Nineteen bridges that needed minor repairs have reopened. There are 29 bridges that need more extensive repairs – some are open with precautions such as weight limits – and another seven bridges will need to be replaced.

“Nova Scotians have faced their fair share of natural disasters recently and have, yet again, proven their resiliency,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Public Works. “Crews are working around the clock the fix our provincial roads and bridges. I thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work to get our roads and infrastructure reopened.”

Crews continue to assess the Goat Lake Bridge near Exit 7 on Highway 103. The 60-metre bridge remains closed and until it is repaired, the highway will remain closed between exits 7 and 8. There is a detour along Trunk 3, and drivers should expect significant delays.

The Department was also made aware Tuesday night of three homes that remain isolated in South Rawdon, Hants County, because of damage to Meek Road. People are getting to and from the properties on all-terrain vehicles, and work to restore regular access should be complete in the next few days. The Department is not aware of any other areas that are cut off by road damage.

The Province is also reminding people of the following safety measures:

  • People should not move any barricades or cones placed around roadwork to get by. The closures are there to keep people, including workers, safe. Crews are working hard to get everything reopened as quickly as possible.

  • People should not attempt to shut off electricity if water is present. Also, people should never cross flooded areas, and they should avoid rivers and streams.

  • Flooding can contaminate well water with bacteria and chemicals that can make the water unsafe to drink. People with wells should take necessary steps to make sure their well water is safe if floodwaters have affected it. A fact sheet is available at: https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/water/docs/FACT.SHEET.Well-Water-After-a-Flood.pdf

The Emergency Management Office Provincial Coordination Centre remains activated for the flood response.

Quick Facts:

  • about 200 Public Works staff and 40 private contractor crews are working on repairs

Additional Resources:

Updates on flood support and recovery information: https://novascotia.ca/storm-support/

Flood safety tips: https://novascotia.ca/emergency-education/docs/floods-en.pdf

Provincial parks advisories: https://parks.novascotia.ca/advisories

Department of Public Works on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks

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