Several highways have been experiencing washouts after heavy rainfall and flooding hit western parts of Manitoba, the province says.
The washouts have led to road closures, rapidly changing travel conditions and limited access in some areas, the province’s transportation and infrastructure department said in a news release Wednesday.
While crews are assessing the damage and responding where possible, the province said drivers should keep in mind that travel might not be possible in some areas and that conditions can change rapidly.
The province is also urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and to never drive through floodwater or around barricades.
People should be aware provincial staff members and emergency response personnel are working in several affected areas across Manitoba, with the support and equipment of Manitoba Hydro, the province said.
They include more that 50 staff members from Manitoba’s transportation and infrastructure department, who are installing signage and assessing damage to highways, bridges and water infrastructure. Search-and-rescue and firefighting personnel were also sent, the release said.
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Manitoba’s Emergency Management Organization has sent regional emergency managers to help local leaders in impacted areas, establishing an incident command structure, the province said.
Road washouts have led to access restrictions for Duck Mountain Provincial Park, the province says.
Drivers should check current highway conditions from Manitoba’s 511 service. While road conditions are updated there regularly, the province says they might change quickly due to weather and flooding.
More information regarding emergency alerts and public safety can be found on the province’s MB Ready site.
