The Ministry of Transportation has listened to suggestions from the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, and will try new closure limits for Hwy. 21 this winter.
During last winter's significant snowfall, Hwy. 21 was closed between Blyth Road and Amberley Road for a total of nine days.
The Township noted the closures caused considerable disruptions for residents of the Bluffs on Huron subdivision. Despite living just 855 metres north of the closure point, access for local traffic was not permitted.
ACW said that was particularly frustrating, as several nearby County Roads experienced much shorter temporary closures.
After discussions with MTO and OPP representatives, the Township said there was a willingness to put a turnaround at the Bluffs entrance, and assess the results.
The MTO will now have three road closure trailers along that stretch: one at Hwy. 21 and Blyth Road, one at Hwy. 21 and the Bluffs entrance, and one north of Goderich indicating the highway is closed in one kilometre.
The Ministry said it cannot can not guarantee passage if there are white out conditions, but the Bluffs community will be informed by the municipality that there is a possibility vehicles and tractor trailers will be turning at the subdivision entrance.
In order to enhance winter operations along Hwy. 21, the MTO has also deployed a grader equipped with a V-Plow, that will be stored at Kincardine's yard for use in the winter.
Finally, Huron County and all lower-tier municipalities say they will work collaboratively to provide road closure updates on the Municipal 511 website.
"Winter weather can change quickly in Huron County, and conditions can deteriorate with little warning," said Imran Khalid, Director of Public Works. "We urge all drivers to use caution anytime there is snow, ice, freezing rain, or blowing snow on the roads."
For the latest road closure info, you can also check the CKNX Local Closures page.
