The Manitoba government is committing $2.4 billion in infrastructure funding as part of Budget 2022, with more than $1.5 billion going toward a three-year plan focused on Manitoba’s highway network.
“Our government recognizes targeted investments in roadways and bridges are foundational to our economic growth and the quality of life for all Manitobans,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk. “Advancing our highway network will enable market access for international, interprovincial and regional movement of goods, and will position our province to become a national transportation hub.”
The three-year plan to invest $1.5 billion is an approved budget and has an annual commitment of at least $500 million focused on highway capital. The minister noted the province plans to invest nearly $233 million in projects identified in the trade and commerce strategy, and had outlined a number of Perimeter Highway projects totalling over $346 million over the next three years.
Key initiatives include:
- The Manitoba Trade and Commerce Grid to upgrade provincial highway networks to allow heavier loads on provincial highways to support the shipments of goods and services across markets. Once completed, the grid of strategic routes would represent 36.5 per cent (7,112 kilometres) of Manitoba’s all-weather provincial road network, with 6,000 km of the grid already completed. The three-year plan will also include projects on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 5, 21, 59 and 83.
- The Winnipeg One Million Perimeter Highway Freeway Initiative to allow for a full access-controlled freeway standard to create a safe and more efficient Perimeter Highway for residential, commercial and industrial growth in Winnipeg and surrounding communities. Projects part of the freeway initiative also include the construction of a new interchange at the Perimeter Highway and St. Mary’s Road, and the design and initial phases of a second new interchange at the perimeter and McGillivray Boulevard to support safe, efficient and free-flowing traffic access.
“We are very happy to see the three-year capital program for highways, bridges and water-control structures,” said Chris Lorenc, president, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. “When industry can plan ahead, the province gets the best value for its annual budgets. The multi-year budgets and increasing investment levels are a strong sign the provincial government and Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure recognize the critical role transportation infrastructure plays in economic growth.”
Featured image: (Government of Manitoba)
