Trisha Shanks
Arrow Lakes News
On February 18 the road just west of the Needles ferry landing cracked in two, causing immense damage and an immediate road closure. Highway 6 has since been diverted via the Barnes Creek Forest Service Road.
Crews have been on site but could not begin the job of repair until the ground stopped moving. A Geological Technician has been assessing the situation and as of Sunday March 1, the ground has stopped dropping, according to Bart Chenuz, Area Manager for Roads with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
“This is a Mother Nature issue, not a maintenance issue,” Chenuz said in a conversation with the Arrow Lakes News. “I want people to understand this was not a clogged culvert.”
He explains that he arrived on scene to a clear culvert with water running through it but wanted to quell rumors that this problem stems from a neglected drainage issue.
The design has been submitted and work is about to commence on repairing the damage that was caused to the road when a slide below the slope gave way.
“Now that the ground has stopped moving, it is safe to start work there,” said Chenuz, “We’re hoping we can get the work done in three to four weeks but if issues arise, it could take longer.”
That doesn’t mean that the road will reopen right away. For now, there is a bypass detour along the forest road which is being used for one-way traffic following a pilot car.
There was a section where the two roads were divided only by a drainage ditch so workers were able to build a new access shortening the detour on the west end. It been shortened from the original stretch to create a shorter route thereby using less material at less cost and putting the entrance at a better angle for large commercial trucks to be able to maneuver on and off of it.
After some drivers have been grumbling about the condition of the dirt road, Chenuz says, “We had issues with the frost making it muddy but we’re taking care of the potholes with gravel. People have been awesome and very understanding but if I could get a message out there, it would be to please slow down when approaching our traffic control.”
Safety is a factor with motorists racing to catch the ferry. He says people shouldn’t be speeding to get to the landing.
“Allow an extra ten or 20 minutes to ensure you’re not rushing for the ferry,” he added.
The estimated time of repair is three to four weeks, though that is not taking into account the final step of asphalt. Blacktop is dependent on the seasonal plant opening for spring. Crews will build up the slope below the road using rock, riprap, and drainage materials to create a solid foundation ready for surfacing as soon as possible.