A major bridge in Walkerton has been closed until further notice.
Bruce County announced the closure of the Durham Street Bridge on Monday morning. It cited high water levels and large debris by the construction platform as the reason for the shutdown.
While drivers will not be able to access the downtown bridge until the water subsides, emergency vehicles, including police, fire and paramedics, will be permitted to use the bridge when responding to calls.
South Bruce OPP warn the closure will lead to traffic disruptions as the bridge is the main access into Walkerton from the east.
Bruce County recommends drivers use the posted "alternate truck routes" to get around the closure. The suggested detour is Bruce Road 19, to Concession 2 NDR, to Sideroad 10 South (Yonge Street North) or Sideroad 15 Brant, to Concession 2 SDR, to Sideroad 20 North, to Concession 14. A map of the alternate routes can be found on the county website by clicking here.
Additionally, Yonge Street North between Durham Street East and Valleyside Drive is also closed due to flooding.
Waterways across midwestern Ontario are experiencing elevated levels due to an abundance of rainfall and mild conditions which have melted the snowpack over the past week. Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed has a flood watch in place until 1 p.m. Tuesday. The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and the Grand River Conservation Authority are also warning of high water levels and possible flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
The closure comes as rehabilitation work on the bridge continues. It began with Phase 1 last May. Phase 2 gets underway this spring with the expectation it will be completed by the fall.