Motorists are advised that the Trans-Canada Highway west of Hampden Junction is closed due to severe flooding and a washout.
The Provincial Government has been working hard with emergency management partners to coordinate response efforts and ensure public safety in light of the heavy rains and flooding affecting roads and municipal infrastructure on the west coast of the island.
Transportation and Works officials, engineers and contractors are on site throughout the region assessing damage, making repairs and determining alternate routes where necessary. The department provides updates at roads.gov.nl.ca/highwaydriving/winter_maintenance.stm.
Motorists are advised to check winter driving conditions and highway cameras if they are considering travelling today. The department continues to notify the public online via twitter (@TW_GovNL ) of damaged and closed roads.
The Medical Communications Centre of the Western Memorial Regional Hospital has been activated and officials have been in contact with ambulance service providers. For non-emergency medical transport in the Western Health region, residents can call health officials at 709-637-5035. For emergencies, residents can call 911. In addition, Government Air Services is also on standby in the event that medical transport is required.
The Provincial Government extends thanks to the many crews, employees, and emergency management partners for their hard work and dedication during this time. Officials have been working with emergency management partners in coordinating emergency operations and would like to acknowledge, in particular: Western Health and ambulance providers, the Canadian Red Cross, Public Safety Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association and the fire departments on the west coast, the law enforcement agencies, Bell, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Newfoundland Power, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, the City of Corner Brook and affected communities, and the many Provincial Government departments that have been engaged.
The weather system that is affecting the region is expected to continue through the weekend. Communities are reminded to refer to their emergency management plans as the system progresses. Residents are reminded to take measures to ensure personal safety and to follow the latest weather forecast for alert bulletins at weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl .
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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Rod Drover
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
rodneydrover@gov.nl.ca
Emily Timmins
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 693-1292
emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca