The road work under way in the south end of the City of Dauphin is an important project in terms of safety and convenience, but it is hardly the only highway work under way in the Parkland.

Last week, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, highlighted a provincial investment of more than $39 million to repair and improve highways and culverts throughout the region.

“Our government continues to get work done that builds and strengthens essential roadways and improves infrastructure for rural residents and their communities, which connect them to neighbouring areas and ensure smooth transportation of goods and services,” Naylor said.

“Our investment strategy in highways is robust and we are on track to build up areas that have been ignored for too long.”

In acknowledging the province’s funding in the Parkland, Dauphin mayor David Bosiak said regional investments benefit us all.

“Our community is grateful for the Manitoba government’s investment in improving the highways in the Parkland region, particularly the work on our own PTH 5A in the south end of Dauphin,” Bosiak said.

“These upgrades are crucial not only for the safety and convenience of local residents and businesses, but also for the smooth transportation of goods and the continued growth of tourism in our area. This project is a significant step forward in supporting the long-term prosperity of our community and region.”

Funding will support construction projects that improve road grade, fix culverts and enhance driving conditions.

Projects currently underway or scheduled soon include:

• bituminous surfacing on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 5A in Dauphin;
• culvert replacements on PTH 10 south of Mafeking;
• bituminous surfacing on PTH 10 from Provincial Road 271 to PTH 20 (between Pine River and Cowan);
• surface restoration on PTH 16 from Saskatchewan border to PTH 83; and
• road restoration on PTH 77 (three sections beginning 33 kilometres west of PTH 10).

Budget 2024 invests $500 million in capital funding to repair and rebuild Manitoba’s highways and public infrastructure to spur economic development and make it easier to get around the province, the minister noted.