Afternoon Update on Maintenance to Lake Major Dam

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EN

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 (Halifax, NS) – Emergency maintenance on the Lake Major dam remains on schedule to wrap up by about 5 p.m. today, Jan. 17.

Halifax Water officials continue to closely monitor the situation and do not expect any disruption to water service in the area.

Crews began work shortly after 10 a.m. this morning, placing large rocks at the base of the dam near the fish ladder. The next step is to reinforce the fish ladder itself by filling it in with more rocks.

As a precautionary measure, several hundred residents in the Salmon River and surrounding areas were evacuated from their homes while this work is going on. Comfort centres remain open in East Preston and Westphal.

Residents are reminded that four of the six bridges in the area are closed while this work is underway. Those include the bridges on Lake Major Road, Salmon River Drive, Crane Hill Road and Ross Road. The bridges on Highway 107 and Highway 207 are open at this time.

The Route 61 through North Preston remains on a detoured route. Detour information is on the Halifax.ca website on Halifax Transit’s service disruptions page.

Staff members in all involved organizations are currently developing a plan for residents to return to their homes once it is safe to do so. Further updates on this situation can be obtained through the Citizen Contact Centre at 311, the Halifax.ca website and Twitter via @HalifaxWater and @hfxgov.

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