PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – RCMP and the Department of Highways are handling a major roadway issue on Highway 2, about 52 kilometres north of the Waskesiu turnoff.
A large sinkhole has opened up across the highway.
RCMP members were on scene all day trying to secure the situation, and have now turned over control of the issue to the Department of Highways.
No traffic north or south bound is possible, as they say the structure supporting the road is extremely frail.
RCMP told Global News rushing water has also swept away supportive land underneath the lane beside the sinkhole, meaning the road is going to need major reconstruction.
Drivers have had to find alternate routes, which are proving to be quite a challenge.
La Ronge Mayor,Thomas Sierzycki, had to take a lengthy detour to get to his home Saturday night.
“It takes about double now because you are going through Smeaton and then the cut-across road that we call the Hanson Lake cut-across,” he said. “So of course it adds a little bit of time.”
Sierzycki says with major reconstruction needed it may affect the short-term economy, but says they’re well prepared emergency wise.
“La Ronge EMS, as well as the health region, are able to medi-vac patients out or use Saskatchewan air ambulance,” he said. “ In terms of supplies, we have lots in La Ronge and we can maintain several days without any trucks coming in, but at anytime, you do want to have that access point and we’ll be working with the Ministry of Highways to make sure that we can get all the information we can to our people.”
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