As part of ongoing strategic infrastructure investments to the provincial highway network, the Manitoba government is committing almost $70 million for upgrades to Provincial Road (PR) 227.
“Building and maintaining a robust grid of reliable highways supports the efficient intra-provincial, interprovincial and international movement of goods, which is integral to Manitoba’s economic prosperity,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk. “This significant investment will support pavement upgrades and three bridge projects on PR 227, so this strategic east-west corridor can accommodate heavy commercial loading.”
The minister noted the government is investing $60 million to upgrade approximately 72 kilometres of PR 227 between Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 16 and PTH 6 so the entire route has a paved surface. The multi-year projects in the rural municipalities (RM) of Portage la Prairie and Woodlands are expected to be completed within the next five years, the minister said.
Nearly $10 million will also be invested in the three bridge projects along the route.
“On behalf of everyone in the RM of Portage la Prairie, we welcome today’s significant infrastructure announcement,” said Kam Blight, reeve, Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie and president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “This investment is about safety and growing the economy. The upgrades to PR 227 will improve safety for everyone travelling this route. The investment will also strengthen the east-west trade route for goods and services on a reliable, efficient transportation grid.”
“The RM of Woodlands is thrilled to see this tremendous investment in our municipality and our province,” said Lorna Broadfoot, deputy reeve, Rural Municipality of Woodlands. “We greatly appreciate all the hard work by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk in making this happen.”
“These upgrades to PR 227 are part of our government’s Trade and Commerce Grid initiative,” said Piwniuk. “An expanded grid of highways that can accommodate heavy commercial loading will attract new industrial activity, reduce transportation costs and optimize supply chain efficiency, which will benefit all Manitobans.”
The Manitoba government introduced a strategy to improve Manitoba’s highway network in Budget 2022. The three-year plan invests over $1.5 billion and annually provides a minimum commitment of $500 million in highway capital.
