UPDATE: Contents of barrel not toxic, Hwy 97 opens fully

UPDATE: June 7, 2013 – 2:38 p.m.

LAKE COUNTRY – RCMP have fully opened Highway 97 again after closing a lane to investigate a suspicious barrel found in the ditch next to Wood Lake. The substance in the barrel was identified as a form of finely crushed glass used in marking the highway and not toxic.

June 7, 2013 – 2:10 p.m.

LAKE COUNTRY — RCMP have called in HAZMAT to investigate the contents of a suspicious barrel found at the side of Highway 97 between Oyama and Winfield.

While the investigation is on, traffic has been reduced to one lane in the area 2km north of Oceola Road next to Wood Lake. The highway may be fully closed periodically.

Police say there have been no injuries and no contamination to Wood Lake.

Motorists are encouraged to use an alternative route until the highway can be fully reopened.