Water main break in Garden River (update: Hwy 17 B re-opened)

9 a.m. update

Highway 17 B in both directions has reopened.

7:53 p.m. update

Highway 17 B through Garden River, from Sault Ste. Marie city limits to Highway 638 in Echo Bay is now closed to through traffic, says Garden River First Nation Chief Paul Syrette.

The Anishinabek Police, in conjunction with Ontario Provincial Police made the decision a few minutes ago, mainly due to the road conditions caused by a water main break in downtown Garden River, Syrette says.

Highway 17 B is open to local traffic only and drivers are being asked to use Highway 17 A around the community until further notice.

Original story: 7:19 p.m. 

Major construction is underway to repair a broken water main in downtown Garden River First Nation.

"We're asking people to avoid the area if at all possible," says Chief Paul Syrette.

The water main break has left the area near the bridge on Highway 17 B very icy and slippery, says Syrette.

Highway 17 B is still passable with one lane being open but drivers who need to pass through that section can expect delays.

At this time, the extent of the damage to the water main is unknown, says Syrette.

"We may have to dig up more of the road and possibly close both lanes," he adds. 

Syrette says the road will be under construction for at least a few hours while crews repair the water main.

People travelling through the area should use Highway 17 A or another alternative route when ever possible.

(PHOTO courtesy of Tanya Boissineau, Garden River)