Manitoba begins work on South Perimeter Highway

WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s South Perimeter Highway will undergo traffic easing and safety improvements over the next three years.

Work to support safety and improve traffic flow on the South Perimeter Highway will take place in the coming years as part of the South Perimeter Highway Safety Plan, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced recently.

“Our government is focused on safety above all else, and the South Perimeter Highway Safety Plan is a key part of that focus,” said Schuler in a press release.

“The South Perimeter is one of the most important economic corridors in Manitoba and increased traffic movement means steps must be taken to improve safety.”

Work includes building roads, railway crossings and turn lanes as well as opening medians and improving intersections.

According to the province, the team will continue to consult with stakeholders to refine local access options.

The safety plan aims to reduce collisions and near misses while also improving traffic flow along the highway and in local areas.

After the work is finished, the province will analyze collision data to determine the effectiveness of the improvements and if further changes need to be made.

The South Perimeter Highway Safety Plan is the first step in advancing the long-term vision of the South Perimeter Highway as a fully access-controlled freeway, similar to U.S. interstate standards. 

The proposed plan will cost approximately $19 million and is expected to be complete by 2022, Schuler said.