Province Announces Improvements to Intersection of Trans-Canada Highway and PTH 16

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Study Underway to Design Roundabout for Improved Safety and More Efficient Traffic Flow: Pallister

As part of the $500-million Manitoba Restart Program, the province is planning improvements at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 16, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

 

“Our goal is to improve safety and traffic flow at this significant intersection, where Manitoba’s two major east-west strategic economic corridors connect,” said Pallister. “Driver safety is our main concern, as there have been several collisions at this intersection over the years, and we have started a comprehensive review study on possible options to address safety concerns.”

 

There are currently traffic lights at the intersection west of Portage la Prairie, where the Trans-Canada Highway (PTH 1) meets the Yellowhead Highway (PTH 16) to the north and Provincial Road (PR) 305 to the south. The study will guide the design of a roundabout to improve the safety and operational efficiency of the intersection.

 

“We want to improve the safety for everyone on Manitoba roads and we’re exercising due diligence in considering permanent safety solutions,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler. “We’ve identified the intersection of the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead highways as a priority project and our investment will make the intersection safer and more efficient, as well as create construction jobs for Manitobans to help our economy rebound.”

 

The minister noted the study and design will be complete in October 2020.

 

Schuler noted the province recently implemented interim safety measures at the intersection including additional pavement markings, installation of a dedicated turning lane, improved signage and traffic signal upgrades. 

 

Funding for the PTH 1 and PTH 16 intersection upgrades are part of the $500-million Manitoba Restart Program, an economic stimulus package to help restart Manitoba’s economy and ramp up construction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The province has earmarked $65 million for major highway projects, including the PTH 1 and PTH 16 upgrades and recently announced PTH 100 and St. Mary’s Road interchange. 

 

#RestartMB is the Manitoba government’s roadmap to recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines investments in public health preparedness, jobs and economic stimulus to protect Manitobans and their livelihoods. For more details, visit www.manitoba.ca/RestartMB. 

 

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