Response time of Winkler Firefighters may be delayed for the next number of weeks while construction takes over the intersection of Pembina Ave and PTH 32.

"It absolutely will affect us," Fire Prevention Officer Phil Dueck says. "If we have to go South of town or to Reinfeld it will definitely be in the way for us, it will add a little bit of time to our response time."

Dueck notes the department has two members from Reinfeld which will complicate their route to the fire hall. However, he says the completed controlled intersection will benefit the department in the end.

"It will be inconvenient until September when they open it," Dueck says, adding they aren't too worried.

"We'll do business as usual, we will get there," he says. "We'll just take the long way."

The Winkler Fire Hall is located on Pembina Ave and 3rd Street, just West of the busy intersection. Construction began on Monday and will block off Southview Drive to Victoria Street until September 2. Phase two, the widening of Pembina Ave. East, begins after Labour Day and will shut down Pembina Ave. East from PTH 32 to Manitoba Road for another two weeks.

Related story: Construction Closes Intersection at PTH 32 And Pembina Ave In Winkler (VIDEO)

Construction is expected to continue until mid September