Minister Tours Roads Damaged by Heavy Rains

The province will spend at least $2 million to fix roads damaged by heavy rains last weekend.

Following a road tour this week, Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac said department crews continue to work steadily to repair flood-damaged roads in seven counties. Culvert and shoulder washouts occurred throughout Cape Breton County as well as in Victoria, Richmond, Antigonish, Guysborough and Halifax counties. Inverness County roads sustained minor damage.

"Our first priority was to make sure everyone had access to their homes," said Mr. MacIsaac. "I'm impressed with how quickly our staff made most of these roads passable."

He said the department will take a closer look at all flooded areas once the first round of repairs is complete. Some repairs may take several weeks.

The most severe damage occurred near Long Island in Cape Breton County where a road and railway line were both washed out.

"We've already completed dozens of smaller road repairs throughout Cape Breton Island and on the mainland," said Gerard Jessome, district director for Transportation and Public Works. "Some of these repairs are temporary and still require drivers to proceed with extra caution."