The province of Manitoba is proposing the construction of an overpass and two roundabouts at a highway intersection where a tragic crash in 2023 claimed the lives of 17 individuals. The new design for the Trans-Canada and Highway 5 intersection, revealed on the province’s website, aims to enhance safety and efficiency in the transportation network.
Carberry Mayor Ray Muirhead expressed satisfaction with the chosen design after considering various options. Emphasizing the safety and cost-effectiveness of the selected plan, Muirhead mentioned that it avoids the need for land expropriation from neighboring properties.
The roundabouts will be designed to accommodate large vehicles such as semis and farm equipment, as highlighted by Mayor Muirhead. The government had committed to building the overpass, with an estimated cost exceeding $100 million, as announced in the throne speech by Premier Wab Kinew.
Initially considering a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) design, the province changed course following objections from the community. The RCUT proposal would have required drivers to make merges and U-turns instead of direct left turns, potentially leading to traffic congestion and safety concerns.
Mayor Muirhead reiterated the town’s preference for an overpass, emphasizing the community’s long-standing advocacy for this solution. Expressing gratitude for the decision to proceed with the overpass, he highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety in the intersection’s redesign.
Safety concerns arose after the fatal crash in June 2023 involving a semi-trailer and a bus carrying seniors en route to a casino, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Construction on the new intersection improvements is slated to commence in the fall of 2027, with an expected completion timeline of approximately three years.