The RM of Portage la Prairie council meeting yesterday discussed an issue that's been a long-time coming -- the paving and upgrade of Provincial Road 227.

Ward One Councillor Garth Asham explains some constituents are advocating to see the road upgraded, noting traffic has increased over the last ten years and upgrades would mean more safety for residents.

"A group of people got together with minister (Ralph) Eichler and MLA (Ian) Wishart on 227," says Asham. "We had a very constructive meeting about issues regarding (the road) -- safety issues, the condition of the road, economic issues."

The road stretches from Highway 16, north of Macdonald, across to Hwy 6, close to Warren, toward Winnipeg.

"I think the benefits would be really to take traffic off the Hwy 1," adds Asham. "Benefits also would include the traffic in that area, from both ends of the communities, would be able to get to their locations faster. Coming in from the west side and the north side of the province would be to get into Winnipeg faster."

He notes Hwy 6 is already a busy road, and that would be taken into consideration. However, Asham says, it's all for flow and the traffic and to take traffic off the Trans-Canada.

"There's going to be a meeting with Minister Ron Schuler," continues Asham. "We go from there. There'll be a presentation from the group then we go from there on what the government's reaction to the presentation will be. I have no idea what it would cost but it's not going to be an overnight project or anything. But I'm sure it can be done in segments."

Asham says ten or twelve miles a year might be portioned out for the work, but no one is asking for an overnight improvement. He notes they simply want an indication from the government that they are considering the request.

He explains after driving up and down 227, he's found the road extending from the corner at Marquette west to Hwy 16 is simply atrocious and is plainly a terrible road at the moment.