Swift River blasting slows Bala traffic twice daily

BALA — Add a little more time to the commute through Bala this week for blasting.

Township reminds drivers about traffic delays on Hwy. 169 through Bala for Swift River blasting starting this week.

Muskoka Road 169 will be fully closed at the North Bridge twice daily for periods up to 30 minutes, warns to the District and Township of Muskoka Lakes.

At 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The closures are required to accommodate rock blasting at the North River Small Hydro Project.

Closures will commence until further notice according to the following updated schedule:

April 16 until further notice:

Full lane closures Monday to Saturday 11 to 11:30 a.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m.
No closures Sunday.

The district and township say the closures are necessary to ensure public safety as a result of the blasting activities.

A radius of 30 meters will be secured by the OPP restricting vehicles and pedestrians from the safety zone.

The 30 metre radius will include both lanes of Muskoka Road 169. ‎

Prior to each blast taking place, 12 audible short whistles will be signaled.

Following the blast, an all-clear siren will be sounded for five seconds.

Watch for notifications on the electronic message boards located in Bala both in the north and south direction.  In addition, updates will be provided on the District of Muskoka (www.muskoka.on.ca) and Township of Muskoka Lakes (www.muskokalakes.ca) websites.

Questions concerning the blasting activities should be directed to Swift River Energy Ltd. at 1-877-4099 or info@balafalls.ca.  Questions concerning road closures should be directed to Engineering and Public Works at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca ‎or 1-800-261-2483 or 705-645-6764.