This story has been updated from its original version to include a more recent washout report.
MRC Pontiac has reported two road washouts in TNO Lac Nilgaut that will likely take several weeks or even months to repair.
The first was a severe washout last week that has closed a section of chemin du Bois-Franc for the foreseeable future.
According to a press release issued by the MRC, the road is impassable at kilometre 54.8 where it crosses the Lac Rousseau stream, just north of the intersection with chemin du Lac Cahill. MRC land use planning coordinator Mathieu Laroche posted on social media about the closure on Apr. 22, but the official statement from the MRC wasn’t published until Apr. 27.
“The road is completely cut about 10 meters deep and about 20 meters wide. Although we are trying to find a solution to ensure temporary passage, it is likely to be several weeks or even months before traffic is restored at this location,” the statement reads.
The statement notes that due to the spring conditions, the only possible detour is by ATV, by the Cahill-Schyan Crossing, starting at kilometre 54 on chemin du Bois-Franc to kilometre 42 of the Schyan road, and reconnecting with the Bois-Franc at kilometre 86 (Lac Forant).
Lockwell Lake Access Road also impassible
Another washout in the TNO Lac Nilgaut region has closed the Lockwell Lake Access Road.
In a statement published Apr. 29, the MRC notes that the road is impassible at the bridge over the Eastern Coulonge River, located roughly four kilometres west of the intersection with chemin Usborne (kilometre 42).
“The road is completely cut, a few meters deep and 2 meters long at the eastern end of the bridge,” the statement reads. “Although we are trying to find a solution to ensure temporary passage, it is likely that we will encounter delays of several weeks.”
The statement also notes that the spring thaw is still underway, and conditions of roads throughout the territory can change rapidly.
“Due to spring conditions and thaw period, it is strongly recommended to ride BY ATV ONLY for the moment,” the statement reads.
For more information, you can contact the MRC at 819-648-5689 or mrc@mrcpontiac.qc.ca.
