A functional design study of the Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 2 and 13 intersection is underway.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is working with WSP on studying the controversial intersection, infamous for causing accidents, stress, and danger at the entrance to Elm Creek. In 2020, a southbound semi and trailer ran through the intersection and was hit by an eastbound pickup truck, killing the driver of the pickup. There have been numerous other collisions and near misses at the intersection.
Residents in the Elm Creek Facebook group agreed that a change is needed. One group member noted an evening when he saw a semi with a flat deck “blowing through the intersection” just 200 feet away from him. He said that was the fourth time he’d seen that happen this year.
Elm Creek resident Alice Miller said she’s seen traffic “barrel through” the intersection regularly at all times of the day, with semis being the most common issue. She said anyone in Elm Creek knows to have their foot on the brake and be ready to be defensive when approaching the intersection.
A provincial spokesperson said WSP “will be investigating the operation and safety of the current intersection layout and bring forward different options for future designs including an option for a roundabout.”
Miller said a roundabout would be the only thing she could think of to help the problem, and she wasshe’s looking forward to seeing the plans. She’s glad the province is allowing the community to see the plans beforehand and have a voice in the matter too.
In upcoming engagement sessions, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure will present design options to stakeholders, rightsholders, and the public. The provincial spokesperson said the department intends to include additional work, such as a potential culvert box extension, new guardrail installation, improved access management along the highway, and relocation of utilities and drainage, within the project scope. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is also anticipating a possible land acquisition for the project.
WSP anticipates the functional design study to be done by the end of 2024, with a detailed design to come shortly after and be available by the end of 2025. Tendering for the construction is slated to be done in 2026, with construction on the intersection starting in 2027. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure projects’ total project cost is around $5 million.
