city hallWhile the City of Timmins’ Public Utilities Department has begun to investigate the settlement occurring on Algonquin Blvd. between Charles Street and Avenue Road, some additional evaluation is required before making a decision to re-open that section of road.

The westbound lane has been closed since early January due to some settlement which is occurring above the existing 18-inch clay sanitary pipe. City staff and have begun an investigation with the use of video inside the pipe, however, due to granular material within the pipe, could only view approximately 50% of the section in question. While it is not uncommon to have debris occur in aging infrastructure, it does inhibit a proper evaluation.

Public Utilities Manager Steven Kukulka explained that warmer temperatures are required in order to utilize a vac truck and view the entire length of the line and complete a thorough evaluation. This will require a full road closure and consist of flushing the line and taking more video of the pipe’s internal condition. At this time, until further notice, the westbound curb lane will remain closed.

Based on the long-range forecast, the crew is hoping to proceed with this work during the weekend of Feb. 20-21. A road closure notice will be issued once plans have been finalized.