Main commercial artery in Manitoba reopens

WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s Department of Transport reopened Hwy. 75 from Winnipeg to Emerson late yesterday.

The cross-border artery has been closed for nearly a month due to flooding in southern Manitoba. At one point, much of the highway was underwater.

Traffic on the main commercial route was being diverted around Morris, Man. as floodwaters closed more than a dozen roads and bridges.

The highway reopening of four-lane traffic in both directions came a week ahead of schedule. However, there are some restrictions, mainly through Morris, Man., where traffic is limited to single lanes both ways, reports the Winnipeg Free Press.

Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux said that as the highway dried, maintenance crews removed debris and inspected the pavement and approved it for vehicle traffic.

Lemieux said engineers would study the route to determine if it’s possible measures can be taken to ensure the roadway remains open in the future.

— from the Winnipeg Free Press