The plans to close Highway 655 this summer for construction have changed. The Jocko Creek Culvert needs updates, and the MTO was proposing shutting down the road for two weeks. However, after lobbying from the north east, now the plan is to do the work and leave the highway open. Kapuskasing Mayor Al Spacek (spa-check) says the MTO told him they would keep at least one lane open.


Spacek says this means the work may not get done this summer, but the MTO will step up their inspection and monitoring of the site to ensure public safety.

Spacek welcomes the news saying that more than 1500 vehicles travel the route every day and the detour would have meant a long trip to Timmins. Spacek says the closure was a major concern to area residents.


He thanks Eric Dodge, Regional Northeastern Director with the MTO for accommodating the residents of the area who rely on the highway for social, medical and work-related travels.