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Province Announces New Upgrades to U.S. Trade Route Will Create Good Jobs, Stimulate Economy

A major new investment by the Manitoba government will rebuild PTH 75 to interstate standards that will ensure it remains open during Red River floods like the 2009 flood, Premier Greg Selinger and Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.

“PTH 75 is Manitoba’s main link to our major trading partner, the United States, and to all of North America.  When flooding closes the highway, Manitoba businesses and our economy lose millions.  That’s why we’ve made rebuilding it a priority,” said the premier.  “New upgrades to PTH 75 will help us achieve CentrePort Canada’s full potential and keep Manitoba-made products moving across our border.  And they will create thousands of good jobs for families.”

The southbound lanes of PTH 75 from Winnipeg to the U.S. border were upgraded to interstate standards during the last five years.  The premier said $215 million in new investments announced today will allow the remaining northbound lanes to be built to those same standards and is expected to create the equivalent of one year of employment for 2,500 people.

“Highway 75 is one of western Canada’s main trade conduits to North America and each week it is closed costs the Manitoba trucking industry about $1.5 million,” said Bob Dolyniuk, executive director, the Manitoba Trucking Association.  “These upgrades mean most floods won’t stop us doing our job of connecting Manitoba wholesalers, manufactures, contractors and farmers to trade across the continent.”

Work to bring the highway to interstate standards will include:

• rebuilding 53 kilometres on northbound lanes of PTH 75 from St. Jean Baptiste to
  St. Adolphe; and
• constructing new bridges over the Morris River (north of Morris) and the Plum River (south of Morris) that will complement existing flood protection infrastructure for the area.

The premier noted the design of the new bridges will be finalized after consultations with the public and local officials.  

“When PTH 75 is closed, Morris is cut off.  That’s why it’s so important that we get down to work strengthening this important asset for Morris and for all of Manitoba,” said Morris Mayor Gavin van der Linde.  “New bridges and a rebuilt highway mean income for our local businesses is more secure and our families are safer in times of flood.”