Residents across southern Manitoba can expect smoother drives and safer roads in the coming years, thanks to a major provincial investment announced this week.
On Friday afternoon in Glenboro, Premier Wab Kinew and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor revealed a $115-million plan to repair and upgrade sections of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 2 and surrounding routes, improvements set to benefit local communities, farmers, and tourists alike.
“These upgrades reflect the priorities of our government in ensuring that local producers, grain elevators, and community members have safe and efficient roads in their region,” says Kinew. “Some of these roadways have been neglected for a long time, and our government recognizes the importance to the community.”
The project includes the rehabilitation of 15 kilometres of PTH 5 north of PTH 2, a stretch of road plagued by restrictions during the spring thaw. Once complete, those limits on axle weights will be lifted, which will be welcome news for area producers who rely on that route to move goods.
“Poor conditions, including spring road restrictions, have created significant hardship for local agriculture producers. These projects announced today will support the local farming communities and economy,” Naylor explains. “By addressing these long-standing infrastructure challenges, we’re not only improving safety and reliability for drivers, but we are also supporting the economic lifelines of agricultural producers.”
Other improvements include grading work on PTH 34, where temporary safety measures, including guardrails and speed reductions, are already in place. Two bridges are also being replaced: one on PTH 34, just north of Holland, and another at Spruce Woods, a key link for visitors heading to Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
Local leaders say the upgrades are long overdue and deeply appreciated.
“These local highways are vital routes for our residents and ratepayers, for farmers to access their fields and operations, consumers to access our business community, and for tourists who come to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Manitoba,” says Mayor Charles Radford of the Municipality of Glenboro South Cypress. “We are grateful the Manitoba government is helping make our roads safer, while improving two bridges that will encourage increased tourism and economic growth for our area.”
With the region known for its rich farmland, vibrant communities, and natural beauty, improved transportation links are expected to make a lasting impact, from safer school bus routes to more efficient hauling of grain and goods.
For residents curious about the full scope of construction projects, the province has launched an interactive map at www.gov.mb.ca, showing where and when repairs are taking place.
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