Premier: Manitoba’s ‘worst road’ fast-tracked for repairs

Key Takeaways:

• The Manitoba government has fast-tracked the reconstruction of 18th Street in Brandon, originally scheduled for 2028-29, due to rapid road deterioration and safety concerns. The project will start next week and is expected to be completed by October.
• The government is investing $9.7 million to resurface 18th Street, which was named the worst road in Manitoba by the Canadian Automobile Association in 2024. The project is part of Manitoba’s broader $4.1 billion Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy.
• The reconstruction of 18th Street, a vital corridor in Brandon, is expected to enhance mobility for residents and businesses in the city and the broader Westman region, supporting economic growth and community safety.

The Whole Story:

Manitoba’s worst road is getting some work done. 

The Manitoba government is investing $9.7 million to resurface 18th Street in Brandon, Premier Wab Kinew announced while visiting the city. 

The street was named the worst road in Manitoba by the Canadian Automobile Association in 2024.

“Our government is committed to keeping Manitoban communities safe and we recognize the importance of 18th Street to Brandon and the Westman region,” said Kinew. “Speeding up the reconstruction timeline to get shovels in the ground showcases our commitment to creating vibrant communities, ones where both residents and businesses have the infrastructure they need to prosper.”

The project will reconstruct 18th Street (Provincial Trunk Highway 10) from Aberdeen Avenue to Rosser Avenue, and includes milling the existing pavement surface to mitigate deep potholes and replacing it with two layers of new bituminous pavement. The proposed work will tie into the existing geometry of the roadway and will not require any changes to the gutter system or curbs, the premier said, noting the project is expected to start next week and be completed in October.

“Brandon’s 18th Street is a busy thoroughfare and is an important route for not only for the city but residents and businesses across Westman,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “Reconstruction work was originally scheduled to start in 2028-29, but because the road deteriorated quicker from this year’s spring thaw cycle and public concerns surrounding safety, we are speeding up work on this project.”

This project supports Manitoba’s Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy, which outlines $4.1 billion in planned strategic investments in roads, highways, bridges, airports and flood protection over the next five years as Manitoba continues to invest in building the economy and fueling future growth.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with the province to ensure the timely completion of essential work on 18th Street,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “This project will greatly enhance mobility for both the citizens of Brandon and our visitors, making it easier for everyone to navigate across our city. As a vital corridor in Brandon, we are pleased to see 18th Street receiving the attention it deserves.”