Hwy 103 partially reopens for commercial traffic and healthcare workers

By CityNews Halifax Staff

An important stretch of the 103 in Shelburne County closed because of the Barrington Lake wildfire reopened to some limited traffic last night.

The province is reopening the highway between exits 27 and 30 in a phased approach. Starting Wednesday night, the highway will be open to commercial traffic and healthcare workers from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day.

The highway will be closed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., though emergency vehicles will have access.

“Reopening the highway is a priority to support emergency and essential workers and to help communities in the evacuation zone prepare for returning residents. At this time, it is not intended for general public use,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “I want to thank firefighters and heavy equipment operators for their exceptional efforts to secure Highway 103, making it passable for those who need it.”

Government says there will be escorts for people using the road to ensure “driver safety and compliance”, likely reffering to the continued lack of access to roads and properties along that stretch of the highway.

The reopening comes as officials say the Barrington Lake fire is now being held, meaning the fire has not grown despite still being classified as out of control.