WINNIPEG, Man. — The federal government will invest up to $21 million for the construction of an interchange of the TransCanada and Yellowhead highways and of a road/rail grade separation at the Canadian National Railway (CNR) main line.

The federal government and Manitobas government announced a proposed strategic infrastructure project under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI).

The junction of these highways is seven kilometres west of the City of Portage La Prairie. This investment flows through the Government of Canada’s Building Canada Plan for infrastructure.

“This new interchange is critical to making sure we have a competitive transportation and logistics system all the way from our West Coast ports to the heartland of the North American market,” said Minister David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and for the Pacific Gateway. “By strengthening our links to the fast-growing economies of Asia, the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative will bring benefits to communities all across Canada.”

The proposed project is expected to cost approximately $50 million and incorporates two components: upgrading an at-grade, traffic signal-controlled intersection at the TransCanada and Yellowhead highways to a grade-separated interchange; and upgrading the at-grade crossing at the nearby CNR main line to a grade-separated facility.

The TransCanada and Yellowhead highways with the CNR main line are two of the three primary east-west transportation corridors across Canada (the other being the Canadian Pacific Railway main line). These corridors are the main conduit for international trade traffic to and from Eastern Canada, Western Canada and the Asia-Pacific rim.

“We are pleased to announce that we have set aside a total of $29 million in provincial support for this project, which will be another step in our unprecedented investment in our highways and infrastructure,” said Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. “This will also boost our economic opportunities and growth. The Trans Canada Highway and the Yellowhead Route are key to Manitoba’s expanding role as a strategic link to the Asia-Pacific gateways and corridors.”

This project aims to improve intermodal connectivity by facilitating truck and rail movements to rail container yards in Winnipeg and other intermodal facilities located in this region. It will also improve access to the border crossing with US, to Eastern Canada markets, and to the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.