THUNDER BAY -- A contractor responsible for regional highway maintenance has already drawn scrutiny from the provincial Ministry of Transportation.
MTO officials confirmed on Tuesday that non-conformance orders had been issued against the contractor responsible for maintaining Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and White River, stemming from a lengthy closure last month.
The MTO said whiteout conditions began in the early afternoon on Nov. 29, followed by freezing rain and temperatures that ranged from – 1C to – 16C.
The ministry said the contractor deployed equipment while MTO staff monitored and inspected the maintenance.
The OPP closed that stretch of highway for about 18 hours from Saturday into Sunday. It was also intermittently closed between Terrace Bay and White River for much of Nov. 30.
In an emailed statement to Dougall Media, the MTO said the notice was issued to the contractor for “failing to meet the performance requirements of the contract.”
The ministry added that a notice had already been issued to the contractor to “ensure they have an adequate supply of winter salt at each of the maintenance yards.”
The contractor has a chance to respond to the notice before any fines are determined.
Ministry officials declined requests to be interviewed for this story.
