The work at the Etmanski Swamp Culvert may give commuters a headache this summer.
The County of Renfrew has the culvert on their list of construction projects they plan to complete this year. However, due to a large amount of fill over the existing culvert, they say a large amount of excavation will need to take place at the location between the Legion and the high school. As a result, the County plans to close the road for four weeks in June.
As a result, the County has written to Madawaska Valley suggesting that Stafford Street and Lakeshore Drive be used as a detour. However, Madawaska Valley Council laid out a number of concerns when the culvert replacement was discussed. Mayor Kim Love and several councilors were concerned about potential damages to the road, as the detour would have to accommodate transport truck traffic that the roads are not designed for. Council has directed Operations Manager Hillary Kutchkoski to write back to the County outlining their concerns and asking for clarification on the route itself.