June 24, 2015
Province Invites Manitobans to Share Views at Open House on Proposed Centreport Canada Way Western Extension (Headingley Bypass)
– – –Plan Protects Tall Grass Prairie, Creates a Faster, Safer Truck and Traffic Route: Minister Ashton
The public will have an opportunity to comment on the Manitoba government’s proposal to double the length of CentrePort Canada Way, extending the four-lane divided expressway from the Perimeter Highway (PTH 100) to the Trans-Canada Highway at PTH 26 near St. François Xavier, during an open house meeting July 8, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.
The proposed route is being designed with several key principles in mind including protecting nearby tall grass prairie, increasing public safety and supporting the continued development of CentrePort Canada, which is directly served by CentrePort Canada Way, the minister said.
“The alignment options that are being studied now will lead to a more efficient route and greater traffic efficiency and public safety,” said Minister Ashton. “More than 19,000 vehicles per day travel between the Headingley and St. François Xavier areas along the Trans-Canada Highway. This project will create a faster, safer alternative route and provide the trucking industry improved access to the inland port at CentrePort.”
"We are pleased with the careful planning that has gone into this proposal. Not only does it support growth at CentrePort, it also helps address concerns about traffic congestion and public safety on the Trans-Canada just west of Winnipeg,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. “We are also pleased the province is putting forward options that protect an important stretch of tall grass prairie. We look forward to public feedback on the project.”
The open house will be held July 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Headingley Community Centre, 5353 Portage Ave.
The extension of CentrePort Canada Way is estimated to cost in excess of $150 million but a more accurate costing will be available when detailed designs are completed, Minister Ashton said. Depending on the land acquisition process, construction will be completed as part of the province’s five-year infrastructure plan, he added.
Minister Ashton noted the Manitoba government has made significant investments to date in highway renewal and has plans to improve the movement of traffic in and around Winnipeg, especially those routes that support economic growth including:
- PTH 190 (CentrePort Canada Way) and the proposed extension (Headingley bypass);
- PTH 59 and the north Perimeter interchange;
- intersection improvements along PTH 100 (the south Perimeter Highway); and
- improvements on PTH 75 to the international border.
Last November, the Manitoba government announced it will raise two bridges and sections of PTH 75 near Morris to help keep this commercial trade route to the U.S. open during major floods.
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