The Manitoba government is investing $420 million in critical infrastructure to strengthen the economy in Northern Manitoba.
The money will be going toward projects like road and runway repairs, upgrading airport facilities, and developing a sustainable northern corridor through the Port of Churchill.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk made the announcement in Thompson this morning.
“We are making strategic investments that strengthen northern Manitoba to create opportunities not only to compete today but to build on for generations to come,’’ said Piwniuk in a news release. “We believe a stronger, more vibrant northern economy can help propel the provincial economy forward.”
Included in the investment is over $250 million dollars in improvements to five roadways. This money will be going towards improved safety and year-round access.
- Over $100 million is going to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 6, including $40 million in projects such as twinning and passing lanes for the section of PTH 6 from PTH 101 north to Grosse Isle.
- $98.3 million will go to Provincial Road (PR) 283 for a new bridge at the Pasquia River and bituminous reconstruction from the Saskatchewan boundary to PTH 10 at The Pas. Once complete, this section will support Manitoba’s heaviest allowable loads and will complete 39.7 km of the trade and commerce grid.
- $36 million is earmarked for bridge repair work at Burntwood River on PR 391.
- $8.5 million for upgrades to PR 620, a 10-km gravel access road that connects PR 391 to Nelson House-Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the community of Nelson House.
- $4.5 million to build a new airport access road off PR 391 to better serve the Thompson airport.
Piwniuk says the government understands the importance of improving transportation linkages for the transportation of goods and services, promotion of tourism, mining exploration, and economic development.
You can see the provincial government's full News Release about the investment here.
