Road repair funding paves new opportunities, mayor says

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This article was published 28/03/2023 (1190 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

New money pouring into Brandon to build and fix roads in and around the Wheat City — including the pothole-laden 18th Street — will create more opportunities here, says the mayor.

As part of the province’s new five-year infrastructure plan, the Manitoba government will dump more than $50 million into new and existing highways, bridges, water systems and airports across the province.

More than $39 million will be used for paving and resurfacing projects along the Trans-Canada Highway and connecting roads, including the surface between First Street and 18th Street, the highway to Forrest and further to Rivers, as well as $1.36 million for the highway between Brandon and Shilo, also known as Veterans Way.

The five-year plan is positive for Brandon, especially since the construction projects will improve access in and out of the city, said Mayor Jeff Fawcett.

“We still need to have discussions moving forward, but it’s about creating more opportunities,” said Fawcett.

“And we have to realize we’re a regional hub, so what’s good for the surrounding regions is a benefit to us all. I’m glad they’re looking at the big picture for Westman.”

The announcement was made by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk against the backdrop of the Daly Overpass on 18th Street, which is currently under construction.

This is the first time the government has shared a capital strategy, primarily to give the construction industry time to prepare for potential projects, Piwniuk said.

“And that’s our strategy, so that we can get the construction industry ready about what’s to come, so they can invest in the equipment and human resources with the goal of moving this province forward.”

With the Daly Overpass in the background, Piwniuk insisted the $88-million project — which began in the spring of 2022 and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024 — is on time and on budget.

Fawcett said he has been impressed with the progress.

“It’s not been too disruptive, and it would be a surprise if they weren’t on time because they are working constantly. So, it’s great considering supply chain problems, and increasing costs we’ve all seen,” the mayor said.

Piwniuk also announced Monday, there would be additional funds to fix the potholes and ruts on 18th Street, although no dollar value was given for the fixes.

When questioned by the Sun earlier this month, Piwniuk would not commit to spending money, but stated if the city believed 18th Street needed paving, then he would consider looking at the possibility.

The road is in dire need of repairs, said Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Tanya LaBuick, who added that driving down 18th Street is not a good experience for anybody.

“Any time you can put money into that and improve it from a tourism aspect, and from a livability aspect for folks who live, work and pay taxes here, that is an absolute improvement. We’re very happy to see this from the province for sure,” LaBuick said.

It’s not major infrastructure work, said Fawcett, but the commitment from the province is encouraging, even if they’re just minor repairs.

“We need to make sure that road is just a little smoother and better. And we’re trying to make sure that it’s as good as it can be until one day, we do the big repairs it needs.”

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com