Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation advises the winter road network is now open, allowing large trucks and other vehicles to get needed goods to 23 remote communities. Portions of the winter road system were opened in recent weeks with access to the last community opening Feb. 15.
Recent colder temperatures created ice thick enough to support large trucks and allowed construction crews to make good progress in preparing the roads to be opened, but some routes have weight restrictions.
Anyone using the winter road system should also be aware that some sections may have to be closed for repairs on short notice, due to changing weather conditions.
Manitoba’s winter road system has approximately 2,500 kilometres of roadways.
The winter road system serves approximately 30,000 Manitobans in 23 communities in areas where there are no permanent roads.
Each year more than 2,500 shipments of needed supplies such as food and fuel are trucked to a large number of northern communities. The system also provides road access for area residents.
The typical winter road season lasts eight to 10 weeks, ending in March. Opening of the system is dependent on the weather and the system must be closed when the ice begins to melt.
Last year the access to the last remote community was achieved on Feb. 25.
Since 2001, more than 25 per cent or about 600 km of the system has been moved from lakes, rivers and creeks onto land to further improve safety, reduce environmental risks and promote sustainability.
Since 2001-02, more than $31 million has been spent on route realignments and bridges for the winter road system.
Most winter road projects are cost-shared with the federal government. The overall budget is $10.1 million with approximately $500,000 being invested in improvements this season.
The work done to prepare the winter road system was performed by more than 20 companies and created work for approximately 100 employees. Construction and maintenance work is contracted out, primarily to local communities or First Nation joint-venture companies, which also creates local construction training opportunities.
The latest information on Manitoba’s road conditions is available any time toll-free at 511, at www.mb511.ca or by following the new Twitter account @MBGovRoads.
