The Manitoba government is announcing that the majority of Manitoba’s winter road system is now open, providing essential pathways for most northern communities that rely on the road system for regional travel and delivery of essential goods.
“Manitoba’s winter road system is a crucial transportation route for many northern communities,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is dedicated to providing safe winter road routes, as soon as weather conditions allow. Despite milder temperatures in December and January, our government is pleased to announce the opening of these vital routes.”
Since 1971, winter roads have played a crucial role in facilitating freight transportation to remote and northern communities, offering temporary inter-community travel for residents and providing essential road access to the rest of the province. Spanning 2,375 kilometres across muskeg, streams, rivers and lakes, the winter road system is constructed on natural terrain of land and ice. In partnership with local communities, construction and maintenance of these roads contributes to employment and training opportunities for more than 250 local residents.
Typically operational from mid-January to mid-March, the network’s accessibility depends on prevailing weather conditions. The Manitoba government, in collaboration with the federal government, invests over $9 million annually to build and maintain the winter road system. Winter roads serve over 30,000 Manitobans in 22 communities, facilitating over 2,500 shipments of goods annually. Among these shipments, nearly half involve transporting fuel, while the remainder include construction materials, heavy equipment and store supplies.
Timelines of completion for all roads are dependent on weather conditions. Certain sections may undergo sudden closures for repairs due to changing weather conditions, the minister noted.
Road users are encouraged to contact individual communities to inquire about potential entry requirements before travelling.
For more information on Manitoba’s winter road system, visit gov.mb.ca.
