Manitoba to spend $9.5 million on winter road system
By Adam Freill
Infrastructure RoadsTemporary system of roadways a vital transportation link for many northern residents.
(Photo courtesy of the Manitoba Government)
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk has announced that the Manitoba government is investing $9.5 million in the province’s winter road system to provide access for northern communities and allow the delivery of essential goods.
“Our government has committed to working with northern communities to improve Manitoba’s winter road system,” said Piwniuk. “We are investing $9.5 million in strengthening the system as we recognize it is a vital transportation link for many northern residents and provides them with much-needed access to supplies and essential goods.”
Manitoba’s winter road system is made of temporary routes built to enable access to remote northern communities to provide residents with fuel, building materials, food supplies and various goods and services. Depending on weather conditions, the road network is open from late January to mid-March.
The roads serve more than 30,000 Manitobans in 22 communities and enable over 2,500 shipments of goods annually. The road system also provides residents with temporary inter-community travel as well as road access to the rest of the province. The Manitoba winter road system is over 2,356 kilometres long, crossing a variety of terrains, including muskeg, streams, rivers and lakes.
“The province understands that these roadworks are essential to several local and First Nations communities during the winter months,” said Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Scott Fielding. “Construction and maintenance of these roads creates employment and training opportunities for over 250 local residents and allows the province to work in collaboration with residents that have firsthand knowledge and experience with the land.”
Timelines for completion of all roads depend on weather conditions. Some sections of the winter road system may be closed for repairs on short notice, due to changing weather conditions.
Road users are encouraged to contact individual communities for possible Covid-19-related entry requirements before travelling. Travellers should also check Manitoba 511 for current road conditions prior to making the decision to travel.
