The PR 313 bridge has reopened to traffic in both directions. (LANDMARKPLANNING.CA)
A busy bridge leading to cottage country in eastern Manitoba has fully reopened to traffic.
A three-year, $32 million rehabilitation project on the Winnipeg River Bridge along Provincial Road 313 is now complete.
The bridge was partially closed in 2016 to be raised to 15 feet of clearance and widened to accommodate a sidewalk. During construction, one lane was maintained by traffic signals for vehicles to take turns travelling in either direction.
“This bridge provides a vital transportation link to the east side of the Winnipeg River at Lac du Bonnet, giving access to residents, businesses, the mining industry, agricultural operations, cottagers and many others,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler.
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.
The most recent rehabilitation project began in 2013 with substructure and superstructure modifications and girder fabrication.
The province says an average of 3,230 vehicles per day used the bridge prior to construction. During the summer months, the average daily usage is about 4,100 vehicles.
