Stretch of Manitoba highway to get $6.1 million makeover

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A stretch of a Manitoba highway is set to be reconstructed as part of a multi-million-dollar budgetary promise to expand and maintain key infrastructure.

The province said it is spending $6.1 million to reconstruct a 1.7-kilometre section of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 11 from PTH 304 westward in Powerview, Man.

It also involves adding curbing to contain water in the right-of-way and catch basins and culverts to divert water to the Winnipeg River.

The province said the open ditches in town will be filled in and landscaped, allowing the town to add sidewalks.

Powerview-Pine Falls Mayor Les Barclay said the project is fantastic news.

“This project will not only improve the safety and efficiency of this vital highway for both drivers and pedestrians, but the added infrastructure like curbing and the filling of ditches will also enhance the overall quality of life in our community,” he said in a news release.

The province said the tender for the project has closed and will be awarded soon.

Construction is expected to start this summer.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said the project is part of a $595 million budget promise to expand and maintain the province’s infrastructure assets, in addition to $206 million earmarked to keep Manitoba’s highways in good repair.

She said these projects will also create jobs, stimulating local economies.

“We’re investing in the repairs and new projects Manitobans need to safely reach their destination. Strategic investments in highway reconstruction projects enhance safety, support communities and strengthen our economy,” she said in a news release.