Road Reports

The region’s extremely high water levels have caused evacuations, flooding, washouts and much more.

The over 300 cm of snow the area received this winter, accompanied by over 88 mm of rain in May alone, have caused the unprecedented water levels across the region. Various areas north of Kenora have been closed and are currently under an Evacuation Order.

A Flood Warning remains in effect for Red Lake, with a Flood Watch issued for Kenora and Dryden. The orders have been issued by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a flood watch for the Red Lake district.

Residents across the Red Lake area, including those near Dixie Lake, Suffel Lake, Longlegged Lake, Pakwash Lake, the Chukuni River and the Coli Lake watersheds are asked to use extreme caution on roadways and bridges with the high water levels in the region.

It’s not the first time that northwestern Ontario residents have dealt with a number of highway closures in the area, whether it be from a Colorado Low, a transport truck accident or the occasional 880,000 lb boulder, but it’s been a strange start to the spring season with countless closures due to flooding and washouts of roadways.

Delays can be expected on Highway 17 near Cecil Avenue in Dryden.

The City of Dryden says the traffic lights at Highway 17 and Cecil Avenue are undergoing repairs until further notice, after a transport truck reportedly knocked them out earlier this week.

Residents are asked to use caution in the area, and anyone with questions or concerns are asked to contact the Public Works office at 807-223-2367.

As of 6:00am Thursday, May 12:

Highway 641, Laclu,  is now fully open.

Highway 105 is now open between Ear Falls and Red Lake following a 5-day closure. But, the Highway just north of Vermilion Bay remains closed between highways 17 and 609 and a number of highways and roads remain closed this morning due to significant flooding.

Hwy 17, Vermilion Bay, Near Rhyner's Rd , there is water over the road. Traffic control is in place with a pilot vehicle. A detour is available for smaller vehicles.

Dryden drivers are warned about traffic delays near the Underpass today.

The City of Dryden says the King Street Underpass will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., as crews work to complete road maintenance work in the area.

Public Works apologizes for the inconvenience and would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this time. Residents are reminded to always slow down and move over near working crews.

Drivers in the area are asked to use extreme caution on Highway 17, which remains open despite extremely high water levels moving onto the roadway.

The Ministry of Transportation re-opened Highway 17 after water forced a closure between Rhyner’s Road and 83 road late last night. However, Highway 599 remains closed 15 km south of Pickle Lake due to a washout, and Highway 605 Dryden is closed in multiple locations due to water.

Many roads and parts of highways are closed due to the significant flooding in the region.

As of 6:00am Wednesday, May 11:

Hwy 605, Dryden, is fully closed due to multiple locations with water over the road.

Hwy 17, Vermilion Bay, Near Rhyner's Rd both lanes are blocked due to water over the road.

Hwy 105 to Red Lake remains closed in many areas.

Hwy 105, Red Lake, approximately 20 km south of Red Lake the highway is fully closed in both directions due to a washout.

Kenora area residents are warned of a washout on Highway 641, north of the Highway 17A Junction.

The Ministry of Transportation says the road has washed out, and a detour is in place. The closure was reported around 4:40 P.M. on Tuesday.

A number of roadways across the region are either closed or washed out.

Users of lake water in the Red Lake community are warned of possible contamination of their water service.

The Municipality of Red Lake says users of lake water are advised that as a result of an overflow of sewage to Howey Bay, water users are advised of potential microbiological contamination, including E-coli and other potential pathogens.