As widely reported, Atlantic Canada experienced heavy rain and wind over the past few days. The Newfoundland government has reported several road closures due to flood damage. The Newfoundland supply chain has been particularly impacted by damage to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) beginning at Port aux Basque on the southwest coast of the island. There are currently four closures due to flooding on Highway 1 in this area.
Port aux Basque is the main Newfoundland terminus for the Marine Atlantic ferry crossings from the mainland and is the port for trucks moving to and from the mainland. Highway 1 is the connection between Port aux Basques and most other communities on the island.
Marine Atlantic has announced that service to Argentia on the Avalon Peninsula where the capital, St. Johns, is located will commence today until Highway 1 is reopened.
Our thanks to the Private Motor Truck Carriers Association (PMTC) for the following initial report on November 24.
Environment Canada is forecasting another 100 mm of rain today (September 24) in addition to what has already fallen. Rainfall amounts may reach 200 mm in higher elevations by midnight tonight. Strong winds continue with gusts to 100 km/hr in the Wreckhouse area.
Current road closures include:
- The Trans-Canada Highway, 10 kilometres north of the Doyles intersection is impassable;
- The Trans-Canada Highway, 16 kilometres southwest of the Doyles intersection is closed until an assessment can be completed;
- Andrews Road;
- Doyles Station Road; and
- Ranger Road.
The Newfoundland website provides continuing updates on road closures. On that page, the road conditions are listed in a table on the right side of the page. The news report of the temporary service to Argentia can be found here.
