Development of 18th street NW in Portage la Prairie, north of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) tracks, looks set to continue.

Council discussed a $17,000 quote from Manitoba Hydro for the installation of three new street lights on 18th street NW between the CPR tracks and Park Drive during its committee meeting Monday night. There are more upgrades planned for that area this year, too.

Administration's report to council explains as part of the 2017 Pavement Program, 18th street NW will be paved from the CPR tracks to Park Drive. And, rail crossing arms will be installed at the CPR tracks, which currently have just light and noise indicators at the 18th street NW crossing.

"We've seen some major improvement in that area over the last few years with the walking path construction and the road construction," says Transportation Committee chair Melissa Draycott. "Ongoing improvements is what this is: Just to make sure the safety of the people that are using that street is taken into consideration."

The proposed light installation is on the west side on 18th street NW. Draycott notes funds are allocated in the 2017 budget for the lights. Council will vote on the proposed Manitoba Hydro agreement at its next meeting.