The PR 313 bridge will be raised three feet and widened by 2018. (LANDMARKPLANNING.CA)
The province is raising the existing PR 313 bridge over the Winnipeg River at Lac du Bonnet by three feet.
Manitoba Infrastructure says the improvement will create a clearance of 15 feet, while also widening to accommodate a new sidewalk.
The bridge was originally constructed in 1908 as a wooden rail bridge by Winnipeg Hydro Tramway. A steel bridge replaced it in 1931 for highway traffic. The rail tracks were removed in 1963.
During construction, the bridge will remain open with one lane and traffic control signals, with the exception of about three weeks, to install the navigation span in the middle of the bridge. The full closure will be scheduled for the winter season as it will have the least impact on traffic.
Construction is expected to be complete by 2018.
