The Manitoba government is investing $4.8 million to upgrade two sections of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 16 in Neepawa, aiming to improve access to the newly expanded regional health centre and support the town’s growing infrastructure needs.
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard notes the significance of the project for the community and region.
“These improvements represent a critical investment in the future of Neepawa and the overall region,” he says. “Improving mobility will allow residents and businesses to more easily access the expanded regional health centre, as well as a community road network that connects to a new affordable daycare, the new school, the industrial park and Neepawa’s largest employer, HyLife Foods.”
Road extension to connect health centre and highway
The first part of the project involves extending Hamilton Street from Broadway Avenue east along the southern boundary of the new hospital. This includes a north-south access road to PTH 16.
The Town of Neepawa is leading this construction with $2 million in provincial funding through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities Program (Manitoba GRO).
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor adds that the projects show a renewed focus on rural infrastructure.
“After years of being ignored, these projects reflect the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that rural Manitobans get the vital infrastructure projects they deserve,” she remarks. “As the economic growth in Neepawa continues, it’s important that local residents can feel safe and secure as they interact with a growing number of vehicles on the road.”
Safety improvements planned for PTH 16
The second project will improve traffic safety on PTH 16 by adding a dedicated right-turn lane into the health centre and a right-turn cut-off out of the hospital. The $2.8-million project has been tendered, with construction expected to finish by fall 2025, Naylor notes.
Mayor Brian Hedley of Neepawa says the funding will benefit both traffic flow and local economic growth.
“This funding will not only improve traffic flow and mitigate congestion, but it will greatly enhance and support economic development in rural Manitoba and enhance trade routes,” he continues.
Launched in October 2024, the Manitoba GRO program is part of the Build One Manitoba initiative. It aims to support infrastructure projects that help communities grow and thrive.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.