March 24, 2006

Most of Manitoba’s northern winter road system will close for the season tomorrow and is expected to be completely closed by March 30, Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

"Our partnership with the various First Nation communities helped to ensure a safe and successful season that saw construction commence as soon as the weather permitted safe access to the routes," said Lemieux. "The relocation of winter roads to land-based routes under our Northern Development Strategy has proven to be a far-sighted and effective strategy in dealing with weather problems."

Since 1999, more than 25 per cent of winter roads have been realigned to land-based routes wherever possible to increase safety, reduce environmental risks and prepare for future road development.

Of the approximately 2,200 kilometres in the seasonal system, over 600 kilometres have been relocated away from lakes, rivers and creeks. The winter road system serves approximately 38,000 Manitobans in 28 communities not served by permanent roads.

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