Cape Breton Flood Recovery Continues as Roads and Bridges Await Repairs
Crews continue to repair roads and bridges damaged by the torrential rain that struck Cape Breton last weekend.
Victoria and Inverness counties lifted their local states of emergency Tuesday evening. Richmond County kept its state of emergency in place Wednesday while officials assessed roads and infrastructure in the hardest-hit communities.
More than 200 millimetres of rain fell in some areas over less than two days. Flooding washed out roads and culverts, damaged bridges and temporarily isolated some residents.
Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works reported damage to about 120 roads. Twenty-one were still undergoing repairs Wednesday. Twelve bridges were damaged, including four that will need to be replaced.
Temporary repairs have restored access in several areas, but permanent work around St. Georges Channel and Points West Bay could require significant detours. The province has not released an estimated cost for the work.
Residents should continue following municipal travel notices as conditions and restrictions change.
