It’s been the “perfect storm” of Spring weather.
Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin said the ongoing issue of flooding, water, ice and culverts plugged has kept township staff extremely busy over the last several days.
“We had rain, then we had some snow, then it freezes, the frost is still in the ground so the water can’t drain away, so things block up and that results in flooding,” said Martin on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
“Ditches are full and roads start to erode. It’s been a very, very challenging period.”.
Roads department in Cramahe Township along with other areas are doing what they can but the problems aren’t isolated to one particular area.
“It’s the volume, it isn’t a matter of an isolated case.”
What’s complicated matters in Cramahe Township was when Highway 401 westbound was shut down on March 10, 2019.
“People were skipping the EDR (Emergency Detour Route) and going on any route that a GPS would identify for them,” said Martin.
“That pounded the roads and created some problems even here in Colborne, because there was so much traffic we couldn’t get to culverts to keep them clear.”
Overnight on Friday and into Saturday, March 16, 2019, Trenear Road east of Colborne along County Road 2 suffered heavy road damage because of the water.
“It is a major road reconstruct.”
“Fundamentally the road will need to be replaced. What is good in the small factor, is there no actual residents along that stretch where it’s closed.”
There was nearly a foot of mud that was pushed over County Road 2 across from Trenear Road from the water.
Northumberland County works crews did their best trying to divert the damage, but by daylight the damage was evident.
Trenear is closed between Trent Valley Road and County Road 2 east of Colborne until a comprehensive assessment of the road can be undertaken.
The road is marked and barricaded. The closure does not affect any residences.
Operations staff are patrolling all Cramahe roads to prioritize problem areas for repair.
Roads staff continue to do restorative work throughout the weekend.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
