THUNDER BAY — The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says an accumulation of silt in the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway means part of the channel needs to be dredged to ensure the floodway works the way it's supposed to.
The LRCA has hired a contractor to remove silt from the section between the Balmoral Street bridge and the William Street bridge.
Equipment is currently being mobilized on-site, and the work is expected to start within a matter of days.
It will result in the temporary closure of the recreation trail along that stretch of the floodway.
Tammy Cook, the CEO of the LRCA, says the work is necessary because there's been a buildup of sediment near the confluence of the McIntyre River and the diversion channel "that takes the excess flow from the floodway, from the Neebing River."
Cook expects it will take until the end of August to complete the work.
After the silt is dug up by a crane, it will be allowed to dry before it is hauled to Port of Thunder Bay waterfront property where it will be used for fill.
Cook said the project will result in this part of the floodway being returned to its original design profile," which ensures that it continues to provide protection up to the intensity of a regional storm."
The last time this section of the diversion channel was dredged was in 1999.
