The Montreal River in Air Ronge is higher than usual. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

rising water

Montreal River Bridge not in danger: Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure

Jun 10, 2020 | 5:04 PM

The bridge in Air Ronge spanning the Montreal River shouldn’t be a concern for local motorists.

That’s according to Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure Spokesperson Steven Shaheen, who said crews have been monitoring the bridge in recent weeks. The Water Security Agency (WSA) estimates stream flows are two to three times above average this year as there was up to a 250 per cent increase in precipitation in May.

“There’s no need to be concerned as the levels are well below capacity and the bridge is not in danger,” he said. “This is obviously not a unique situation out there. We have had cases in the past where the river has risen to the point where it’s actually run over the bridge deck.”

The last time the river rose to such a level was back in 2011, but Shaheen mentioned that year was an outlier and that’s not expected to happen this year. If the water level does continue to rise and reach the road surface, he noted a sign would be placed to warn motorists. Shaheen also recommends checking the Highway Hotline if there are any concerns before travelling.

According to the WSA, the control structure at Lac La Ronge has been fully open since May 26. The lake is also at above-normal levels and continues to rise in response to above-normal inflows.

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At an elevation of 364 meters on June 3, Lac La Ronge is at the top of its desirable operating range but is not expected to increase much further unless the area receives significant additional precipitation. Conditions in the basin have been wetter than normal going back to the fall of 2016, according to the WSA, with the highest flows over that period experienced in the summer of 2017. In many locations, flows are approaching 2017 levels.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno