West Nipissing Mayor wants culvert replacement work on Highway 539A postponed because of forest fires

A new concern has developed over how the forest fires in the region could affect a culvert replacement project.

Mayor Joanne Savage wants the project postponed because the area in question is close to the burning forests.

A section of Highway 539A in River Valley is scheduled to be closed from July17th to the 19^th so crews can carry out the replacement work.

“But I feel adamant about this that we shouldn’t be exposing our citizens to more risk with these fires,” Savage said.

Her recommendation to postpone the work has been forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

The Mayor is waiting to hear back on whether the work will be delayed.