Earlier today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador advised that it expects the Trans Canada Highway on the southwest coast of Newfoundland to re-open later this week.
Marine Atlantic will now initiate plans to return to normal operations via Port aux Basques. Commercial units checked in at the Argentia facility by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, will have the choice to either travel via the Argentia service or transfer their sequence in line to the Port aux Basques service. The Argentia terminal will remain in operation until all current checked-in units are transported.
To prevent significant traffic congestion on the southwest coast and to provide commercial drivers with the opportunity to focus on safety on the highway and their well-being, Marine Atlantic is implementing a temporary virtual waitlist for commercial units preparing to travel on the Port aux Basques route. This will reserve a customer’s place in line and allow sufficient time to travel to Port aux Basques. Transportation of priority items will continue to be a consideration as we return to regular operations.
Current forecasts indicate a potential for significant rainfall on the southwest coast of Newfoundland over the next 24 hours. Should this result in additional impacts to the Trans Canada Highway, Marine Atlantic will provide further updates on this plan. These forecasts are also predicting high winds and sea states that will further impact schedules throughout the week. Customers are encouraged to visit www.marineatlantic.ca for updated sailing information.
Marine Atlantic thanks customers and residents of Newfoundland for their continued patience during this challenging period.
Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 772-0073 or (709) 727-2405
e-mail: [email protected]
