JORGE MARIA
PONTIAC June 9, 2021
A culvert collapse on Route 301 in Throne continues to cause headaches for residents of the MRC Pontiac, with a partial road closure leading to increased traffic on fragile dirt roads . . .
Last Thursday, the Municipality of Litchfield released a press release announcing the temporary closure of 301 North. “A preventative measure and without advanced notice,” by the Quebec’s Ministry of Transport, the release stated.
The MTQ has blocked the 301 North at Crawford Road for safety reasons while work continues on the collapsed culvert. The official MTQ detour is Rte 301 via Hwy 148.
The release requested all drivers, except for locals, follow the official detour and not take shortcuts through Leslie Lake and Crawford roads.
In an interview with The Equity, Litchfield director general Julie Bertrand said current signage is inadequate and people are not following directions. Traffic has increased and heavy trucks are using Crawford and Leslie Lake roads rather than take the lengthy detour.
“They’re not suitable for big trucks and due to the dry weather, there is an exorbitant amount of dust. And so it becomes very dangerous [with] vehicles driving very fast and having limited visibility,” Bertrand said.
Existing signs request local drivers reduce speed to 50 km/h when navigating these roads. Heavy trucks are prohibited.
The municipality is also investing $10,000 in a calcium product to reduce dust on Crawford and Leslie Lake.
In a press release sent last Friday, the MTQ stated the ministry is doing everything in its power to open up one lane of traffic on 301 as quickly as possible while the work continues.
Work started last Monday and should take about two weeks.
