FULL ROAD CLOSURE BETWEEN BALA, PORT CARLING FOR CULVERT WORK DETOURS TRAFFIC TILL FRIDAY

BALA — There’s no easy way of getting around the Muskoka Lakes the next five days.

If you live in Bala or Port Carling you’ll get the run-around till Friday night.

So expect backups all over west Muskoka and beyond.

That’s because a section of road between the neighbouring communities is now closed, as of 7 a.m., today for “emergency” repairs, says the district.

The full road closure of Muskoka Road 169, Muskoka Lakes is required from Monday, May 29, at 7 a.m. to Friday, June 2, at 7 p.m.

Public works blames a “failed culvert,” a kilometre from Medora Lake Road.

The say that due to the complexity of the installation, single-lane traffic cannot be feasibly accommodated.

The road closure was announced two weeks ago.

Motorists are advised that a significant detour is in effect, which means if you live in on the west side of Bala — or Port Carling — you’ll have to back up and go through Gravenhurst or Bracebridge, respectively, near Glen Orchard.

Part of the detour includes the Hwy. 118 intersection out to Bass Lake to Hwy. 400. Or if you’re driving on from or Sudbury on Hwy. 400 drivers can also travel through Wahta to Bala.

Signage will be installed to remind motorists that the closure is planned and guide them around the closure:

• Northbound traffic: Continue North on Muskoka Road 169 to Muskoka Road 38. Merge onto Highway 400 north and continue, exit onto 189 Lake Joseph Road. Continue onto Lake Joseph Road and turn right onto Muskoka Road 169.
• Southbound traffic: When arriving at the intersection between Highway 118 and Muskoka Road 169, continue right onto Muskoka Road 169. Turn left on Lake Joseph Road. Merge onto Highway 400 south and then take exit 177 (Muskoka Road 38). Follow Muskoka Road 38 and exit back onto Muskoka Road 169

For more information and to learn routes to avoid the area during planned construction, please visit: www.muskoka.cc/RC