Helicopter service begins for people stranded by Trans-Labrador Highway washout
Travellers in Labrador are finding other ways to get around the damaged Trans-Labrador Highway on Route 510.
A section of the highway has been effectively cut in half and impassable for days after heavy rain and flooding in the area completely wiped out the link between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and several coastal communities to the south and to the east.
Brandon Cabot of Cartwright is just trying to get home after his latest work rotation at Muskrat Falls.
He's leaving his truck in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and taking a helicopter to Crooks Lake, where his cousin will pick him up to take him home.
"I'm working a two [weeks on] and one [week off] schedule, so I'm trying get my week home now," Cabot told CBC News on Wednesday.
"There's a bit of interruption there with the road closed. Not sure how long that's going to take but I figured this is the best option."
The helicopter service is provided by the Department of Transportation and Works, departing from the parking area near the department's Crooks Lake depot and the airport in Happy Valley-Goose Bay about every two hours on a load-and-go basis, says a government media release.
Cabot said he generally drives straight home once he gets off work for the week, but the road closure caused him to spend another day in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
"It delayed me a little bit. I ended up losing a day on a turnaround and when you only got a week it's not a lot [of time]," he said.
However, Cabot remains positive.
"It could be worse. A lot of people have had it a lot worse than what I'm going to have, that's for sure," he said.
"I'm only just trying to get home for the week.… Due to the rain, that's all you can do. You can't control that, so hopefully they'll get that fixed up in a couple of days."
The helicopter service runs between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with priority given to residents travelling for medical appointments and work commitment. Other travellers with be accommodated as space allows.
Crews are currently on site of the washout, installing two new culverts, the government's statement said. The province estimates the highway will reopen late Sunday, depending on water levels and work progress throughout the week.
Travellers who need updates or assistance can contact the Department of Transportation and Works Labrador dispatch office.
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