October 23, 2015
Province Announces Construction Beginning on New First Street Bridges in Brandon
– – –Detours Prepare Area for Major Project in Brandon: Minister Ashton
A major investment in Manitoba’s largest western city is underway to build new bridges to replace the aging First Street Bridge in Brandon, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.
“The First Street Bridge is a major transportation route for Brandon’s growing population and thriving commercial sector,” said Minister Ashton. “When complete, the new bridge will safely carry 14,000 vehicles across the Assiniboine River each day for years to come.”
Motorists who use the First Street Bridge will see detours being built as the first step in reconstructing the new bridges, said Minister Ashton. He noted analysis by engineers determined it was prudent to replace the existing bridge, which was built in 1972, rather than undertake a major rehabilitation.
The northbound section is being demolished and rebuilt first, followed by the southbound side. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times during construction. The existing four-lane design will be replaced with two separate bridges, with two lanes on each bridge. The new design includes a sidewalk on each side.
The minister noted the first bridge is scheduled to be completed by November 2016, weather permitting, with the second bridge expected to be completed by November 2017. Minor site cleanup may take place in the early summer of 2018.
“The province has invested about $170 million in more than 50 projects in the Brandon area since 2007,” said Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell, who attended an event announcing the bridge plans on behalf of Minister Ashton. “These projects include rebuilding and resurfacing dozens of kilometres of roads, intersection improvements and bridge reconstruction to improve the safe and efficient movement of traffic in and around the Wheat City.”
The Manitoba government launched a five-year, $5.5-billion core infrastructure plan to stimulate the economy by improving provincial roads, highways, bridges and flood protection as well as helping municipalities improve their infrastructure. The Conference Board of Canada reviewed the plan and projected it would boost the provincial economy by $6.3 billion, hike exports by $5.3 billion and help create 58,900 jobs over five years.
Over the last two construction seasons, Manitoba has invested more than $1 billion in major highway and bridge projects. Work continues this year to repair $80 million in damages from the 2014 flooding in southwestern Manitoba to highways and more than 80 bridges and structures.
Updates on the status of the First Street Bridge project will be available at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/wms/structures/construction.html.
Although the annual road repair season is drawing to a close, motorists are reminded to slow down and drive safely when they see construction signs and flaggers at the roadside. Drivers are required to reduce speeds to specific limits in construction zones under the Highway Traffic Act.
The latest information on roads is available at 511 (toll-free), www.manitoba511.ca or by following the Twitter account www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads.
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