Road Reports

On June 16, 2022, at approximately 10:55 a.m., Whitecourt RCMP responded to a serious motor vehicle collision involving a semi and an SUV, on Highway 43 at Dahl Drive. The driver of the SUV was extricated from the vehicle and transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Whitecourt RCMP, RCMP Traffic Section, RCMP Collision Analyst, Traffic and Commercial Vehicle Sheriff’s, Whitecourt Fire Department and EMS all attended to assist with the collision.

The investigation continues. Traffic was being diverted around the scene, however, it is moving freely at this time.

Drivers in Dryden may expect delays today as City crews complete repairs.

Myrtle Ave from Government St to Florence St will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday June 13, 2022 from 7:30am to 4:00pm.

This closure is necessary to complete repairs to the water distribution system. Government St will remain open to through traffic however please use extra caution within the construction zone. To ensure the construction zone remains safe, please anticipate short delays and construction workers.

The City of Kenora is debating spending $185,000 to build up Coker Road to protect residents from future flooding events after Kenora’s evacuation last month, which continues for multiple roadways throughout the community.

Councillors are hosting a Special Council meeting today to discuss the new budget amendment, which would pull funding from the JM Roads Reserve Fund. If approved, work on Coker Road would take place just east of Kelly Road, and would involve raising the height of the roadway.

The City of Kenora has created a new way for residents to keep track of road conditions in the evacuation area north of the by-pass.

The city says after researching flooding safety standards, their new Trigger Point Evaluation System lays out action plans for when flood waters reach certain ‘trigger points’ on local roadways.

Dryden drivers can expect delays along Highway 17 (Grand Trunk Avenue) today and are asked to use extra caution around working crews.

The City of Dryden says Highway 17 from Mary Avenue to Park Avenue will be undergoing emergency water main repairs today until 4 p.m. Both lanes of traffic will remain open, but delays can be expected.

Kenora residents face lengthy delays along Lakeview Drive this morning.

The community of Fort Frances is still recovering after being pelted with a severe thunderstorm, rainfall and a tornado warning on Monday night.

While the tornadoes may have instead made their way towards the Dryden area, a number of streets and areas in the Fort Frances community are now experiencing severe flooding and washouts from the rainfall.

The Dryden area’s Flood Warning has been extended until June 10.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry says residents in the Wabigoon, Eagle and Forest Lake watersheds should exercise extreme caution around less-travelled roads, bridges water-crossings, lakes, rivers and areas of high runoff or erosion potential.

The ministry says more precipitation will continue to have an impact on water levels, and they’re continuing to monitor watershed conditions.

As of 6:00am Tuesday, May 31:

Hwy 502 - Dryden, South of Century Rd. one lane blocked due to a down tree. Traffic control in place. Please use caution in the area.

Hwy 600 is closed between Fern's Rd and Berg Rd due to a washout. Detour is available from Berg's Rd to Split Rock Rd.

Blue Lake Loop Road – Vermilion Bay, between Hwy 647 Jct and Quibell Rd is closed. Traffic control in place. Use extreme caution in the area.

Crews with the City of Kenora plan to open up a number of roadways in the evacuated area to let residents back in their homes today.