The Reeve for the R.M. of Morris says southbound Highway 75, south of Ste. Agathe, is right now a dangerous section of roadway to be travelling on. And, it has nothing to do with spring flooding.
If you have driven down that stretch in recent weeks, you can probably relate to Ralph Groening's description. He says there are potholes on that highway, and now chunks of concrete debris from those potholes are scattered throughout. Groening says motorists need to be extra careful while driving that stretch.
According to Groening, the condition of Highway 75 between Ste. Agathe and Morris has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. He notes it was already in poor shape last year, and then the weather conditions this winter and spring did not help.
To be clear, Highway 75 is the responsibility of our province, though Groening says there is some support that comes from the federal government. However, that has not stopped Groening from lobbying for his residents, as a portion of the highway runs through his municipality. Having said that, Groening says he recently discussed that stretch of roadway with Transportation Minister Doyle Piwniuk.
"I will give new Minister Piwniuk credit for acknowledging the conditions, the concern about the roads, and I guess, the flood has caused his people to reprioritize," says Groening. "But, he is, and has, shared the same concerns we have."
Groening says he has requested a response and an operational plan. Having said that, Groening says a senior engineer with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has informed him a plan had been in place last year, but tendering issues stopped that plan in its tracks. Then, the flood came, and Groening says it seems this has changed all timelines.
The R.M. of Morris Reeve says Highway 75 is a major route used by commercial trucks for delivering products to the United States and vice versa. He notes it is essential for the economy of Manitoba, that road be in proper shape to allow for products to move north and south. However, he has heard stories of vehicles damaging their tires, or needing rims repaired, after driving down that stretch of highway. Groening jokes some motorists have told him that the partial closure of Highway 75 due to flooding is actually saving their vehicles, because they are forced to detour down much better roadways.
Groening says it would be his opinion southbound Highway 75 requires a major rebuild. However, it is his impression this rebuild is not in the provincial budget for this year.
"I think we would accept a short-term repair, so the road is safe to travel on, with then a quiet commitment that piece of road does require a major rework," he says.