The Trans-Canada Highway in southwestern Newfoundland will reopen to traffic late this afternoon (Monday, November 29) north of Little Paradise Park.

Traffic will remain reduced to one lane in some areas as work continues to complete repairs. Motorists in the region are reminded to obey traffic control and watch for heavy equipment and crews working in the area.

Repairs near Little Paradise Park and near the weigh scales outside Port au Basques are progressing as planned. As of Monday morning, seven of nine sections of large diameter culverts have been installed near the weigh scales and backfilling is underway.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is monitoring forecasts calling for 60 to 80 mm of rain between Monday and Tuesday in the Port aux Basques region, with near 100 mm of rain in higher terrain areas.

Updates on progress to repairs in these areas will be provided as they become available.

Air services remain in place for residents who require travel to reach urgent medical appointments or other urgent travel needs. For medical appointments, please contact 1-833-784-6802. For all other urgent needs, please call 1-833-885-0385.

Residents are encouraged to avail of the air services until the highway is officially opened, otherwise they risk missing appointments.

While repairs continue, the public is asked to follow the advice and direction of emergency officials and stay away from the damaged areas. Avoiding these areas will allow crews to complete the work in a more timely manner.

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Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

Emily Jane-Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca