Province invests in Highway 201

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This article was published 01/11/2022 (921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A $60 million investment into a Southeastern Manitoba highway will improve accessibility for local businesses and farmers, allowing them to take heavier loads onto the highway in all seasons.

Announced Oct. 19, the funds will be used to upgrade Provincial Road 201 from Provincial Road 200 to Provincial Road 302 (from near Dominion City to near Vita).

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said in a press release that the highway in question is important as it’s the only east-west provincial route serving the Municipalities of Emerson-Franklin, Stuartburn and Piney.

“Our government recognizes the efficient transportation of goods is an integral part of Manitoba’s economy and the provincial highway network plays a critical role in enabling market access,” he said.

Monique Chenier, economic development manager for Sunrise Corner, a partnership of the RMs of Piney and Stuartburn agreed, describing the upgrade as significant and welcome.

“This investment in rural communities and people will enable our local farmers, retailers and manufacturers to be more competitive and grow their businesses to benefit our region and all of Manitoba,” she said.

The highway is currently subject to Level 1 spring road restrictions, which restricts the maximum axle weight for vehicles to 90 percent of normal loading. When those restrictions are in effect, heavy vehicles must seek alternate routes or take multiple smaller loads.

The section will be upgraded to Manitoba’s heaviest regulated loading classification to accommodate heavy commercial loads year-round.

Upgrades on Provincial Road 201 from Highway 59 to Provincial Road 302 will take place in 2025-2026 with an estimated cost of $27.7 million. Future upgrades from Provincial Road 200 to Highway 59 at an estimated cost of $33.5 million will start the following year.