The Portage Avenue underpass will be closed next Tuesday through Friday (Nov. 27-30) from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day so steel sheet pilings can be removed from the construction site there.
The use of heavy equipment and the size of the pilings to be removed (40 feet in length) necessitate the closure of both lanes to ensure public safety.
Fort Frances Emergency Services have jointly evaluated and confirmed that access to the north end of Fort Frances will not be significantly affected during the closure of the subway.
Emergency crews will access the north end using priorized available access, with the first choice being the underpass (if available for use); the second choice being the Victoria Avenue crossing; and the third choice being the McIrvine Road crossing.
The decision for routing has been predetermined by an integrated communication plan that has been tested by the emergency services involved.
This plan involves parties, including local emergency services, CN police, and contractor JTJ Contracting Ltd. Inc., being in radio contact so as to quickly be able to communicate the best available route to use in case of an emergency in the north end of town.
“These situations can be managed as long as some advanced planning and notice can be provided to the services involved. We would ask for the public’s understanding and co-operation during the shutdown,” said Fort Frances Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong.
As a general reminder, the public is asked to pull to the right and stop when approached or overtaken by an emergency vehicle responding to a call with their emergency warning devices activated.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
