Due to heavy rain overnight and this morning, road conditions on the Avalon Peninsula and the Burin Peninsula have deteriorated. The areas most severely affected are the Argentia-Placentia area and the Harbour Grace-Bay Roberts area. Motorists are urged to avoid travelling until conditions have improved in these areas and to exercise extreme caution if they have to travel.

There are numerous locations where roads have been affected and some locations are closed because of high water and washouts. The Trans Canada Highway was closed earlier today between Long Harbour and Whitbourne but is now re-opened to one lane of traffic. The Argentia Access Road and Ship Harbour Road are closed. Route 80, near Dildo, is closed due to washout. There are also numerous shoulder washouts on the Burin Peninsula.

The Department of Transportation and Works and Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador are fully engaged and are attempting to identify locations of concern and will co-ordinate efforts with affected municipalities. Transportation and Works staff will continue to monitor conditions and make road improvements as weather conditions allow.

An updated advisory will be issued later today. Once again, motorists are advised to proceed with caution and to avoid traveling in these areas if at all possible.

For the latest road conditions in the Avalon region please call 1-709-729-0132, and in the Clarenville area, please call 1-709-466-4132.

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