The Manitoba government is moving ahead with detailed design work and a public engagement session for a new bridge on PTH 59 North over the Red River Floodway.
“The bridge over the Red River Floodway on PTH 59 is a gateway to so many great experiences that Manitoba is known for – from Birds Hill Provincial Park to Grand Beach – and some of the great gems in cottage country,” Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said. “We have determined a cost-effective solution to replace the existing bridge and we look forward to consulting with Manitobans on this exciting project.”
Construction on the project is slated to begin in the fall of 2020, with completion slated for November 2023, he added.
The bridge was built in 1964 and has reached the end of its service life, and was also damaged in a vehicle collision last summer. Manitoba Infrastructure has selected the most cost-efficient replacement design, with no private property acquisition required. No alternatives under consideration would require the acquisition of any private homes, the minister noted.
North and southbound bridges will be built to replace the existing structure and some roadway realignments will take place. The existing bridge will remain open during construction. Detailed design will lead to construction starting in the fall of 2020 with construction work to be completed and the roadway and bridges fully open to traffic by the fall of 2023. Construction will be staged to accommodate the operation of the Red River Floodway.
A public information session on the project will be held on May 22 at the East St. Paul Curling Club 260 Hoddinot Rd., East St. Paul.
The minister noted the Manitoba government’s responsibilities include water management, drainage and transportation infrastructure management, the construction, maintenance and operation of 19,000 kilometres of all weather roads, 2,200 km of winter roads, and over 21,000 bridges and culverts that keep traffic moving smoothly across the province.
