WINNIPEG, MB — The Manitoba government is launching the first wave of road improvements funded by the Trucking Productivity Improvement Fund, which is based on fees collected from companies that transport overweight cargo on provincial roads.

It will invest $1.4 million on provincial roads across Manitoba including $750,000 for improvements and repairs to PR 384, also known as Moose Lake Road; and $250,000 improving PR 392, PR 393 and PR 395 near Snow Lake.

“Through this important partnership, the province is repairing the roads that companies use to haul loads above weight limits to improve their productivity,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “The fund enhances flexibility for companies, promotes economic development and creates efficiencies for regional businesses.  It also ensures that a portion of cost savings to industry are reinvested in the roads that are worn in the process.”

These investments are above and beyond the Manitoba government’s ongoing commitment to building core infrastructure and creating good jobs, the premier said. 

In 2014-15, the Manitoba government invested more than $1 billion in core infrastructure, exceeding its commitment to match revenues with infrastructure investment by $28 million.

The premier also noted the $5.5 billion core infrastructure plan is making significant improvements right around The Pas area, with more than 141 kilometers of work done on PTH 10 in recent years and local investments like grade improvements on PR 282, southwest of The Pas.

According to Selinger the core infrastructure plan will support more than $23 million in projects around The Pas in the coming few years including:

• paving PTH 10 for 18 km north of The Pas;
• performing surface work on PTH 10 south of The Pas from PR 282 north for 31 km;
• paving 22 km of PR 283 from the Saskatchewan border to PR 282, west of The Pas;
• paving nine km of PR 285 from PTH 10 to Lapointe Road; and
• paving 11km of PR 287 from PTH 10 to The Pas airport.