July 7, 2000

Steve Ashton, minister of highways and government services, today announced the awarding of a $284,000 engineering contract as the first step to providing year round bridge access to the northern community of Cross Lake.

The contract covers engineering services for the preliminary investigation required for construction of a new bridge across Pipestone Lake on PR 374 to Cross Lake. The bridge will replace the current ferry service and winter ice road system. Pipestone Lake is part of the Nelson River system.

"Northern Manitoba's rugged terrain is often a serious barrier to development of our provincial transportation infrastructure and the economic development opportunities it represents," said Ashton. "Being able to overcome those barriers for the people of Cross Lake represents a whole new range of possibilities for the future of the community."

The tendered contract was awarded to Reid Crowther and Partners Limited for the preliminary investigation, which includes a site survey, a detailed environmental assessment on the proposed route, and geotechnical and hydraulic studies for the proposed structure and its associated roadwork.

"This project is an important advancement for the people of Cross Lake and will provide year round access to their community and the rest of the province regardless of weather conditions," said Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs. "It is a very positive accomplishment for Cross Lake and Manitoba."

"This construction will also fulfil a major provincial obligation under the Northern Flood Agreement," said Ashton. "We are pleased to have been able to include this project in the 2000-2001 highways construction program, our first highways construction program since assuming office."

Cross Lake is approximately 600 km north of Winnipeg.

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