Work on PTH 23 Bridge near Morris to begin in November

A van drives through a flooded portion of Highway 75 just south of Morris, Manitoba Monday April 25, 2011 as both the Red River and the Morris River remain at high levels. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)

The province is investing in a major overhaul of the PTH 23 Bridge over the Red River near Morris that will hopefully prevent the town becoming isolated during floods.

"This bridge was built in the late '60s and is an important route in and out of Morris when PTH 75 is closed during major flood events," said Premier Greg Selinger in a news release.

Work on the project is scheduled to start in November once the province finds a contractor. The bridge will stay open to two lanes of traffic except during two phases in 2014 from June 23, to Aug. 24, and Sept. 29, to Nov. 30.

This work will extend the life of the bridge by 40 years, said the province.