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The Manitoba government has pledged to raise two bridges as well as sections of Highway 75 near the town of Morris in an effort to keep a crucial route to the United States open during times of major floods.

Manitoba set to raise two bridges and highway to avoid flooding


Dalia Ibrahim
Digital Reporter

Sunday, November 23, 2014, 4:56 PM - The Manitoba government has pledged to raise two bridges as well as sections of Highway 75 near the town of Morris in an effort to keep a crucial route to the United States open during times of major floods.

The province plans on raising the highway above levels of the 2009 floods.

"It's multi-pronged project," says Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger. "Two bridges, additional flows east and west, and higher roadways. When you put it all together you get greater service ability and greater accessibility to the road during high water years." 

"A construction project of this magnitude will be built in phases over the next five years to minimize disruption to the town of Morris while getting the flood protection done as soon as possible." 

The project is expected to cost about $200 million and create 2,200 jobs, he added.


RELATED: Rare province-wide state of emergency declared in Manitoba


Morris Mayor Gavin Van Der Linde says the community relies on truck traffic to boost local business. 

He says big rigs provide $19 billion worth of economic activity to the U.S. and that activity stops when roads are closed, impacting local restaurants and gas stations. 


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Engineering plans will be produced for a higher bridge over Morris River at the north end of town, in addition to a higher bridge over the Plum River south of Morris near St. Jean Baptiste. 

The Morris River was closed for 46 days during the 1997 flood and 35 days in 2009. 

The government also plans on building new hydraulic openings on the highway south of Aubigny so that water can flow from west to east during floods. 

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH: Top Five Most Expensive floods in Canada this century

With files from CBC

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