July 5, 2013
Province Announces Brandon Eastern Access Highway Completed Including Flood Protection System
– – –Multi-phase Project Improves Traffic Flow into City, Industrial Area, Increases Safety: Ashton
The final phase of the Brandon eastern access route, a multi-year, $44-million project, is now complete and will help move motorists and commercial traffic into this thriving western city more efficiently and safely, said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton.
“This is a major investment in a growing community and a high priority for the City of Brandon and the RM of Cornwallis,” said Ashton. “By making significant infrastructure investments such as this, we are creating good-paying jobs and laying the foundation for a stronger economy that will benefit all families.”
Construction of the 4.1-kilometre final phase from the Assiniboine River to the Trans-Canada Highway was completed with an investment of about $29 million. The project began in the mid-1990s and included two major bridge structures and three sections of roadway including:
- PTH 10 to Richmond Avenue (1999 to 2001);
- CP Rail overpass structure (2010 to 2011); and
- Assiniboine River to the Trans-Canada Highway (2009 to 2013).
There was also a flood protection system built into the final phase of the project, Ashton said. A pumping station and drainage network was designed and installed to minimize the risk of the roadway underpass having to be closed during a flood.
The new Brandon eastern access route is part of Manitoba’s commitment to upgrade highways and roads and is part of more than $600 million to be dedicatedforimproved roads and bridges, across the province, the minister said.
“This project is one of several road improvements in the Brandon region for the safer, more efficient movement of traffic, particularly big commercial vehicles,” said Ashton. “That benefits the business sector, but it also protects families by keeping most trucks off residential roads:”
Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution approaching and in construction zones, for their own safety and the safety of workers. The latest information on lane closures and road conditions is available any time toll-free at 511, at www.mb511.caor by following the Twitter account @MBGovRoads.
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