WINNIPEG, Man. — With Manitobas recent announcement of a $4-billion commitment for highways during the next 10 years, the first tenders under this years allocated funds were released for advertising.

In 2006, the province set a new record for highways funding with a $257 million budget for 2006-07. The commitment of $300 million for highway capital construction and maintenance over two years will increase the annual budget by more than 50% to approximately $400 million for 2007-08.

Major highway improvement projects include continuation of the upgrading of PTH 75, which will see significant sections reconstructed at an estimated cost of $34.5 million in 2007. Work will also be done on the Trans-Canada Highway and highways 2, 3, 6, 8, 16 and 59.

Paving on the northeast Perimeter Highway will also be done. When complete, all sections of the perimeter around Winnipeg will be twinned. Work will also be done on many bridges including structures in Portage and Brandon and over Parks Creek south of Selkirk.

Later this year, we will unveil our multi-year plan for road construction and renewal which, for the first time, will commit to long-term investments in Manitobas highways and bridges, said Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux.