As the Government of Manitoba continues to invest in the provincial highway network, they've announced that nearly $70 million will be invested in upgrades to Provincial Road (PR) 227.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk made the announcement, saying $60 million will be invested to upgrade approximately 72 kilometres of PR 227 between Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 16 and PTH 6. This investment will make it so that PR 227's gravel road is replaced and will have a completely paved surface.

"Building and maintaining a robust grid of reliable highways supports the efficient intra-provincial, interprovincial and international movement of goods, which is integral to Manitoba’s economic prosperity," notes Piwniuk. "This significant investment will support pavement upgrades and three bridge projects on PR 227, so this strategic east-west corridor can accommodate heavy commercial loading."

The remaining amount of the investment, nearly $10 million, will go toward three bridge projects along the route. The plan to improve Manitoba's highway network will see the province invest over $1.5 billion.

Kam Blight, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie and president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities was also in attendance for the announcement, calling it vital for our continued economic growth.

"On behalf of everyone in the RM of Portage la Prairie, we welcome today’s significant infrastructure announcement," says Blight.  "This investment is about safety and growing the economy. The upgrades to PR 227 will improve safety for everyone traveling this route. The investment will also strengthen the east-west trade route for goods and services on a reliable, efficient transportation grid."

The project is expected to be completed within the next five years.

For a press release from the Government of Manitoba, click here.

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