Staff of the Department of Transportation and Works continue to assess road damage throughout the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas. They are working diligently to locate areas of concern and mark them to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Also, for safety reasons, motorists are asked to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary in the Placentia-Argentia-Long Harbour area, as well as the South River-Bay Roberts area. This will allow crews to carry out assessments and make any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

There are still numerous sections of road that are closed because of high water and culvert washouts. The Argentia Access Road, Ship Harbour Road, and Route 80, near Dildo, remain closed and there are still numerous shoulder washouts on the Burin Peninsula. A section of Route 70 is closed near Spaniard�s Bay due to concern with a bridge in that area and traffic is being re-routed. The Trans Canada Highway between Long Harbour and Whitbourne is now open to two lanes of traffic.

There were also major washouts in the Dunville area and on Route 100. The Department of Transportation and Works is preparing to divert traffic headed to and from the Marine Atlantic terminal through the Southeast Placentia Loop Road.

Once again, motorists are advised to proceed with caution but 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 1-709-466-4122.

-30-

Media contact:
Tanya Simms
Communications Specialist
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 693-4908
tanyasimms@gov.nl.ca 

2007 08 01                                                    4:05 p.m.