The District of Muskoka is replacing the Bittern Creek culvert with a new structure, which will require a full road closure on Ravenscliffe Road near Old Novar Road in Huntsville.
Construction is scheduled to begin the week of March 2 and is expected to be completed in April.
The Bittern Creek culvert is a large structure located approximately 4.5 kilometres from the road’s northern limit. It carries a significant stream that flows into the Muskoka River watershed and plays a key role in local water management.
District staff first identified concerns at the site in late 2025 after noticing a depression in the road surface. A temporary repair was completed while a more detailed investigation was undertaken. That investigation revealed extensive corrosion in a large section of the existing culvert, requiring a full replacement.
District officials acknowledged that the construction and resulting road closure will disrupt traffic and increase travel times for residents and motorists. Detour signs will be installed along the affected route, detour maps are available, and detour information has been updated on Municipal511 to ensure navigation platforms such as Google Maps and Waze reflect current conditions.
Contractors will aim to reopen Ravenscliffe Road as quickly as possible. However, officials said that unforeseen circumstances can cause delays in road construction projects. If delays occur, the District said it will provide advance notice whenever possible.
For more information and project updates, visit muskoka.on.ca/roads
