Highway 103 in Shelburne County Reopens to Heavy Commercial Traffic, Healthcare Workers

The section of Highway 103 in Shelburne County that was closed to non-emergency traffic because of wildfires will reopen in phases, starting with commercial traffic and healthcare workers tonight, June 7.

Commercial vehicles that are registered to carry at least 14,000 kilograms will be allowed between exits 27 and 30 nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Healthcare workers will also have access during those hours but will need to show identification.

From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., the highway will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles.

“Reopening the highway is a priority to support emergency and essential workers and to help communities in the evacuation zone prepare for returning residents. At this time, it is not intended for general public use,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “I want to thank firefighters and heavy equipment operators for their exceptional efforts to secure Highway 103, making it passable for those who need it.”

Vehicles will be escorted to ensure driver safety and compliance. This could create delays of an hour or more for vehicles lined up to access this section of the highway.

With conditions constantly changing, the highway may close at any time without notice to ensure public safety.

There continues to be no access to local roads and properties off this stretch of Highway 103. Those areas will continue to be restricted until firefighters can confirm they are safe.

A mandatory evacuation order remains in place for part of Shelburne County and people under that order should not travel to the area. Several local roads remain closed, and Nova Scotians are encouraged to follow and check 511 for the latest information.

Quotes:

“The municipalities of Shelburne and Barrington have authority over mandatory evacuation orders in their communities, and those orders need to be respected until the fire is under control. Before the highway can return to normal, RCMP investigations and property safety inspections must be completed, property owners need to be notified and support services will be in place for returning property owners.”

– Eddie Nickerson, Warden, Municipality of the District of Barrington

Quick Facts:

• there is a provincewide ban on open fires; the fine has been increased to $25,000 for breaking the burn ban
• restrictions on travel and activities in the woods in all areas except for Shelburne County and anywhere evacuation orders are in place were lifted effective 12:01 a.m., Monday, June 5
• people should not operate drones over a forest fire; drones can interfere with the suppression effort and pose a danger to aircraft and first responders

Additional Resources:

Highway and road information is available by calling 511, following @511ns on Twitter at https://twitter.com/511ns or visiting the website at https://511.novascotia.ca/

Changes to restrictions on travel and activities in the woods:
https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230604005

Burn restrictions: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

News Release - Increased Fine for Breaking Burn Ban: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230531004