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The NDP government announced Tuesday they will invest millions, and fast-track plans to fix a road that was recently voted the worst road in the province by Manitoba drivers.
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At a media conference in Brandon on Tuesday, Premier Wab Kinew and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced total funding of $9.7 million to resurface a section of the city’s 18th Street. (Provincial Trunk Highway 10)
According to Naylor, reconstruction work was originally scheduled to start in 2028-29, but because “the road deteriorated quicker from this year’s spring thaw cycle,” and because of what she said has been growing public concerns surrounding safety on the road, work on the project is now expected to begin next week, and be completed sometime in October.
“Brandon’s 18th Street is a busy thoroughfare and is an important route not only for the city but residents and businesses across Westman,” Naylor said.
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The project will reconstruct 18th Street from Aberdeen Avenue to Rosser Avenue, and will likely come as a relief to many who drive in Brandon, as back in May it was voted the worst road in Manitoba for 2024 as part of the annual CAA Manitoba Worst Roads campaign.
“Our government is committed to keeping Manitoban communities safe and we recognize the importance of 18th Street to Brandon and the Westman region,”Kinew said.
On Tuesday, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett thanked the province for speeding up the timeline for reconstructing 18th street.
“As a vital corridor in Brandon, we are pleased to see 18th Street receiving the attention it deserves.” Fawcett said. “This project will greatly enhance mobility for both the citizens of Brandon and our visitors, making it easier for everyone to navigate across our city.”
— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
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