Jim Lake’s Bridge, on the Black River Road, was closed by the Ministry of Transportation due to high waters levels and threats of damage due to ice dam build-up.
The Bridge re-opened on Monday, January 15th.
Peter L. Smith
Jim Lake’s Bridge, on the Black River Road, was closed by the Ministry of Transportation due to high waters levels and threats of damage due to ice dam build-up.
The Bridge re-opened on Monday, January 15th.
Peter L. Smith
WALTHAM – Residents along the Black River are once again dealing with flooding. Water levels at Jim’s Lake Bridge, near the Black River Inn, rose almost 8 feet and with the threat of damage from ice dams the bridge was closed as a safety precaution by the Ministry of Transportation. The area has about 8 full time residents but many use the road to access cottages and for snowmobiling. The road is also used for logging.
Brookfield Power manages a hydroelectric power generating station on the river and some have questioned if improper monitoring of water levels is part of the reasons for the flooding.
Flooding of the Black River Road has been a major concern over the past 4 years in both winter and spring; each time flooding occurs, it damages the shoreline and sections of the road.
A major concern for permanent residents is access to emergency service in certain areas in the case of an accident or fire.
Milder temperatures late last week mitigated the situation somewhat, but water is still over the road in places and the bridge remains closed. According to Brookfield, they have been working with the municipality and the Ministry of Transportation and are making adjustments to manage water flows.
