The province is asking drivers on Highway 16 east of North Battleford to watch for crews preparing to fix a washed out culvert and sinkhole that formed on the side of the road. (Supplied photo/Saskatchewan Government Highway Hotline)

By Angela Brown

Culvert Repairs

Drivers advised to watch for crews working on culvert, sinkhole repairs at Highway 16

May 4, 2020 | 3:30 PM

The province is advising drivers travelling on the Highway 16 westbound lanes to watch for road crews preparing to fix a ruptured culvert and sinkhole.

The province’s Highway Hotline issued an advisory to warn motorists about the rupture that occurred about 10 kilometres east of North Battleford on Saturday.

About 8 ft. or 2.4 metres in diameter, the culvert will need to be replaced and the road repaired.

The province’s Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure spokesperson Steve Shaheen said the culvert collapsed, causing a type of sinkhole to form. It’s not unusual for a culvert to fail during spring run-off.

“Culverts are designed for drainage, so it allows water to flow and pass under the road,” he said. “That freezes up over the winter. So in the spring when the waters start to go, these culverts are designed to allow that water flow.”

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If there is a high volume of water flow, he said, the culvert can become blocked. Soil may then erode around the structure, causing it to collapse.

Traffic is being routed into the right-hand passing lane on Highway 16 until repairs are completed.

Drivers will need to reduce their speed in accordance with the signage posted and be cautious of workers and equipment in the area.

“A consultant is on the scene today [Monday] with crews to formulate a plan for repairs,” Shaheen said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow