The Province is planning for major changes to one of the most dangerous intersections in Manitoba.

Premier Brian Pallister says they hope to specifically improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection of Highway 1 and the Yellowhead Highway (PTH 16).

"Our goal is to improve safety and traffic flow at this significant intersection, where Manitoba’s two major east-west strategic economic corridors connect," Pallister says.

"Driver safety is our main concern, as there have been several collisions at this intersection over the years, and we have started a comprehensive review study on possible options to address safety concerns."

There are currently traffic lights at the intersection west of Portage la Prairie, where the Trans-Canada Highway (PTH 1) meets the Yellowhead to the north and Provincial Road (PR) 305 to the south.

Over the course of the past five years, there have been 22 accidents at the intersection which resulted in three deaths and many more injuries, Pallister says. He says that roundabouts on highways do work, and points to the new one built two years ago at Highway 2 and Highway 3. The premier says there has not been a major accident since the roundabout was put in place at what he called a once-dangerous intersection.

"We want to improve the safety for everyone on Manitoba roads and we’re exercising due diligence in considering permanent safety solutions," Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler says.

"We’ve identified the intersection of the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead highways as a priority project and our investment will make the intersection safer and more efficient, as well as create construction jobs for Manitobans to help our economy rebound."

The minister noted the study and design will be complete in October 2020.

Funding for the PTH 1 and PTH 16 intersection upgrades are part of the $500-million Manitoba Restart Program, an economic stimulus package to help restart Manitoba’s economy and ramp up construction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province has earmarked $65 million for major highway projects, including the PTH 1 and PTH 16 upgrades and recently announced PTH 100 and St. Mary’s Road interchange.