Vehicle traffic on Bernat Road, off PTH 59, just south of Ile des Chênes, is now able to use a new bridge that replaces a structure that was over 40 years old, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux announced.
“We are investing more funds this year in our bridges, roads and highways which adds to our historic commitment to upgrading our infrastructure,” said Lemieux. “I am pleased to announce the Bernat Road bridge is open with a new structure that provides enhanced levels of safety for cars, trucks and other vehicles.”
Bernat Road crosses over the Seine River diversion and is located just south of LeClair Road, which is off PTH 59, south of Ile des Chênes.
The new bridge is 69 metres long and is a pre-cast concrete box structure. Total cost of the project cost was $2.6 million.
Since the bridge crosses the Seine River diversion, the structure is considered part of the province’s water control network. This includes 4,700 kilometres of provincial drains and associated crossings, 125 dam and control structures, 12 diversions, 41 pumping stations as well as 18 community ring dikes.
Improvement projects under the province’s highway renewal plan in this same area of Manitoba include:
• PTH 59 at PTH 100 (perimeter, south-east corner of Winnipeg) – overpass repairs and upgrades;
• PTH 12 at PR 207 (near Ste. Anne) – rehabilitation and upgrading of twin overpass structures; and
• PTH 75 – 14 km of pavement rehabilitation on south-bound lanes from Morris to Letellier (cost shared under the Building Canada Fund).
This year, the province’s highway renewal plan has seen $122 million added for year three of the 10-year plan to improve safety, boost infrastructure renewal and help stimulate the economy. In 2009, the province set a new record for highway and bridge renewal with an annual budget more than doubled since 2006. This year’s budget is $545 million, up from $423 million last year.
