WINNIPEG, Man. — The twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway through Manitoba is continuing, with work now getting underway on the latest stretch of two-lane to receive attention.

The twinning is funded under the Canada/Manitoba Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP).

“Twinning the Trans-Canada Highway from PTH 83 to the Saskatchewan border is important to accommodate growing traffic, improve safety and expand economic development in Manitoba,” says Manitoba Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux. “We are also making progress toward fulfilling this government’s commitment to Manitobans.”

The twinning is expected to cost $15 million with SHIP funding covering the grading, base preparations and paving of 19 kilometres from west of Elkhorn to PTH 83. That work is expected to wrap up by next summer. The remaining 14 kilometres to the Saskatchewan border will be funded by the province of Manitoba at a cost of about $14 million. The final construction of the 33 combined kilometres is expected to be completed in 2007.

“Improving road conditions on Canadian highways is an important priority for the Government of Canada,” said federal Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre. “By upgrading and widening these roads we are building a safer highway system.”