For the second time in as many weeks, heavy rainfall has caused culvert collapses on the Sunshine Coast.
Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) were meeting Wednesday afternoon after a culvert failure occurred on Russell Road near Gibsons on Tuesday.
According to MOTI, the failure was a result of the culvert getting plugged with debris, causing water to back up and wash out the road. The ministry had the site secured Tuesday after the culvert failed.
A MOTI spokesperson said an on-site meeting was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to fully assess the situation and to determine an appropriate solution and timeline for opening.
All local residents continue to have access via either Henry or Burton roads, MOTI said.
On Oct. 22 night shift workers at Howe Sound Pulp and Paper (HSPP) found themselves trapped after an evening storm with high winds and heavy rain washed out two sections of the only road between Port Mellon and Langdale.
The storm caused wood and debris to come down both Dakota Creek and Bear Creek, plugging the culverts, which sent the water rushing against the roadway.
The force of the water from Dakota Creek (about one km from HSPP) caused the entire road to open up and one vehicle drove into the void, however no injuries were reported.
