In preparation for the new Roquette Pea Protein Processing facility just west of Portage, road construction is currently underway. City Councillor Wayne Wall says Simplot Road, just west of portage, is being upgraded with excavations twice the normal depth of preparation gravel for a roadway.

"They're digging this out to build it up with compacted gravel all the way up to the top."

He explains thousands of truckloads of peas are going to be transported over this road for many years to come, requiring the depth of compacted crushed rock to be deeper than normal. An automatic railway barrier crossing is also in the works.

The RM of Portage la Prairie reports construction on Simplot Road has been accelerated to reduce the full construction period.

The following work schedule. It is subject to change pending weather and uncontrollable events:

  • May 23 to June 29 - Full road closure from Road 65 North to the private temporary access road (just South of the CP tracks). Partial closure from private temporary access road to CP tracks.
  • June 18 to July 23 – Partial road closure - North section of Simplot Road (North of CP tracks) will be upgraded but traffic control will allow vehicle traffic through the construction zone if necessary.

Road 65 North, from Simplot Road to the Roquette property, is closed to May 22.

Paving the above road sections is planned to take place July 24 to August 9.

Please avoid this area during the construction period.