February 7, 2020
Province Announces Public Consultation on Portage Overpass Replacement
The provincial government is hosting a public open house to review options for a new overpass west of Portage la Prairie at the Trans-Canada Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 1A, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.
“This traffic exchange is a key part of the Trans-Canada Highway network, an important route for Manitoba’s economy and tourism,” said Schuler. “The deteriorating bridge has exceeded its design life at 50 years old and needs to be replaced to ensure vehicles will pass through the area in a safe and timely manner.”
The open house is scheduled for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Stride Place, 245 Royal Rd. South in Portage la Prairie.
The session will give motorists and residents the opportunity to discuss safety enhancements, potential access modifications and temporary detours, as well as land-use plans and development in the municipality and surrounding area.
In March 2018, the province announced plans to replace the bridge, built in 1968 as part of the Trans-Canada Highway bypass around Portage la Prairie. The low structure is below modern height standards and several vehicles have collided with the bridge in recent years. Damage has reduced traffic to one lane over the bridge and diverted vehicles through the city route.
The province is developing a new overpass design that will improve traffic operations, enhance safety at ramp entrances and exists, and resolve operational and safety issues.
Manitoba Infrastructure is planning a second open house in early April to present its preferred design alternative and is conducting a public engagement process with local governments, impacted landowners and stakeholders.
The province plans complete its interchange study later this spring, the minister said, adding construction is planned for June 2021 to November 2022.
- 30 -