Arborg pumping out flood waters

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This article was published 03/05/2022 (870 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Flooding has cut off a major highway intersection in the Interlake as the town of Arborg remains under a state of emergency.

The North-East Interlake Emergency Measures board said a news release late Tuesday night that the province has closed the intersection of Highway 7 and Highway 68 at Arborg because of “flooding and washout.” The town, and the municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, have been under a local state of emergency, since May 1.

People can still access Arborg by following detour signs near the end of Highway 7 or by using Road 231 to Highway 8 and Highway 68. Vehicles driving from the west can use Roads 226, 329 and 326.

The town is pumping floodwater over Highway 68 and into the Icelandic River to take pressure off the roadway. Doug Anderson, a spokesman for the North-East Interlake Emergency Measures board, said crews had 10 pumps working all night to reduce the threat to the town.

“The river has dropped noticeably in the last two days and can now hold more water,” the release states.

More flooding could occur near the junction. Residents in southwest Arborg are “advised to prepare for evacuation if this situation is not resolved by the pumping of floodwater,” the release states.

A Tiger dam was to be installed around Arborg’s hospital and Arborg Personal Care Home as a precaution. Both buildings are on an evacuation alert.

Residents can call their municipal office if they need assistance or additional information.

— staff