February 11, 2015
Manitoba Government Announces Winter Roads Being Improved, System Open for Shipments to Remote and Northern Communities
– – –Moving Basic Goods Including Food, Fuel, Building Supplies to a Large Number of Isolated Northern Communities: Minister Kostyshyn
Manitoba’s approximately 2,200-kilometre winter road system is now open, allowing large trucks and other vehicles to get needed supplies to remote communities, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Kostyshyn said today.
“The cold temperatures and lack of snow early this winter created good conditions on many of the routes that opened earlier than normal,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “A lot of work has been done recently to maximize the short winter road season including an engineering study that has allowed an increase in load levels on most winter roads. This means supplies can be delivered more efficiently.”
Each year, more than 2,000 shipments of goods are trucked to a large number of isolated northern communities and the system also provides road access for area residents. Prior to the study, the maximum gross vehicle weight for a five-axle truck on the winter road system was 37,500 kilograms. On routes where bridges and the roads can accommodate an increase, the limit is increased to 39,500 kg. This change allows each truck to haul about eight per cent more cargo, the minister noted.
“This increase in payload also means the winter road system will be more effective, with more freight being trucked in without increased costs to northern communities,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “This reduces the number of trucks needed, creating greater efficiencies and lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.”
The Manitoba government has completed a panel bridge at a cost of approximately $2.7 million on the winter road to Garden Hill and Red Sucker Lake First Nations, Minister Kostyshyn said, adding these structures greatly extend the short length of time these winter roads are open each season.
This is the first year the East Side Road Authority is managing the winter road system on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. This accounts for approximately half of the winter road network. The other half of the network continues to be managed by Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation.
The East Side Road Authority reminds travellers that construction of an all-season road network on the east side of Lake Winnipeg continues. Crews and equipment will be working near the winter roads and changes can be expected along some routes. Some sections of the winter road system may have to be closed for repairs on short notice, due to changing weather conditions.
Minister Kostyshyn said the overall budget to open and maintain the winter roads is approximately $10 million, shared between the provincial and federal governments.
The work to prepare the winter roads was performed by more than 20 companies and created jobs for more than 100 employees. Construction and maintenance work is contracted out, primarily to local communities or First Nation joint-venture companies, which creates local employment and training opportunities, the minister said.
The latest information on road conditions is available by calling 511 (toll-free), online at www.mb511.ca or by following our Twitteraccount at www.Twitter.com/MBGovRoads.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2015/02/RLS-Winter_Roads_Opening_BG-IT.doc