Drivers along Crescent Road West in Portage la Prairie should prepare for more disruptions as the city moves into the next phase of a long-term rebuild. The reconstruction is part of a three-year infrastructure plan aimed at making the road more durable and less prone to potholes.
Matt Phillips, Manager of Engineering for the City of Portage, says crews are starting the next stretch of work between Fourth and Tenth Street West.
“We're going to update all the land drainage," says Phillips. "All the underground will be done within the next couple of weeks and then after that they'll start excavating the road base, putting the geogrid under it and some new limestone. Then it will see a new concrete curb and gutter and asphalt on top.”
Temporary closures and detours on the way
Although traffic is still moving for now, that will change soon. Phillips says lane restrictions will be followed by a full road closure.
“For the next couple of weeks, it will just be one lane closures as we're working on the underground,” he notes. “Then when they start the excavation, it'll be a full closure, so there'll be detours in place. You'll have to detour up to Saskatchewan Avenue.”
The full closure could take effect within the next two weeks, depending on weather.
Why the rebuild is necessary
Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin, the City’s Director of Operations, says the decision to fully reconstruct Crescent Road, rather than just overlay it, is tied to its heavy traffic volume and unstable ground.
“We do have a lot of roads that have seen a lot of extra freeze-thaw cycles,” notes Lequier-Jobin. “It really does do a lot of damage to the roads.”
She says the rebuild includes improved drainage, reinforced substructure and the use of geogrid mesh to reduce long-term road movement and potholes.
“We’re hoping we won’t see the kind of potholes we typically get on Crescent Road for a long time to come after we get all that done,” she continues.
Other roads seeing repairs this summer
Phillips says this year’s construction season also includes surface overlays on Lorne Avenue West and 6th Avenue NE.
“This year's pavement project is starting sort of overlays on Lorne Avenue West and 6th Avenue NE that are going to be included with the Crescent Road work,” remarks Phillips.
Work is also happening on the eastern access to the McCain Industrial Park.
“We started work on the eastern access road to the McCain Industrial Park,” he mentions. “They're doing a bunch of road repairs on that road, 34 West and Lincoln Avenue.”
Plan stretches through 2027
The city plans to continue Crescent Road reconstruction over the next two years, eventually reaching Yellowquill School by 2027, pending funding and weather conditions.
“This is the first year of the three-year program,” Lequier-Jobin confirms.
Residents can expect traffic delays as the project continues and are encouraged to follow detour signs.
Updates will be posted on the City of Portage la Prairie’s website and social media channels.
- with files from Mike Blume
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