Motorists hoping to soon see an end to construction on Highway #1 east between Richer and the Hadashville area will have to wait awhile longer. The Manitoba and federal governments last week announced $33 million in funding to further upgrade that stretch of road. Crews have spent the past two summers doing grade-widening and drainage improvements in the eastbound lanes. The new funding will see that stretch get new pavement. And, work will begin on grade-widening and drainage improvements in the westbound lanes.

Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pederson asks drivers to be patient as this well-travelled roadway remains under construction.

Blaine Pederson"Everyone wants to see the roads improved and, in order to do that, it does slow down or impede traffic in there on those construction zones. We certainly ask the motoring to public to slow down in those construction zones and keep the safety of the workers in mind."

The paving in the eastbound lanes will start in mid-September with work continuing until freeze-up and the remainder being done next summer. The grade-widening in the westbound lanes will be done next year.

Pederson says, while the province is facing budgetary pressures, this piece of road is a high priority.

"The Trans-Canada east is the only highway connection between eastern Canada and Western Canada and so the trucking industry and the motoring public definitely rely on this road. As part of these projects, and you've seen this already, there are now paved shoulders and rumble strips which increase the safety for the motoring public there."