Reconstruction and twinning work on PTH 32 has reached 13 percent completion in Winkler.

"We're really happy with the progress that's being made," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says. "It's going faster than what I expected... initially when they announced the project they said 2021, but we're fully expecting completion by 2020."

"Before winter sets in, we should have fully functional four-lane," Harder adds.

The project not only includes the construction of twinned lanes but improved drainage, additional lighted intersections, and sidewalks.

Throughout construction, officials say all efforts will be made to minimize disruptions and maintain local and through traffic whenever possible. However, as the work involves building a brand new twinned highway, officials add there will be operations that cause delays and temporary changes to how residents access local businesses.

Harder notes crews are endeavouring to rebuild the highway one side at a time, allowing traffic to continue in some form.

The temporary inconveniences are small, Harder says in light of what the finished project will do for the city.

"We've waited a long time for this," he adds.

Drivers are encouraged to use the detour in place, which diverts traffic at the south end of the project to the east via Pembina Avenue, then north via Eastview Drive to reach PTH 14. All traffic travelling on PTH 32 between Victoria Avenue and PTH 14 will be shifted to the west (onto the southbound lane and shoulder) to allow for construction on the east (northbound) twinned lanes. During this stage of construction, there are no left turns permitted in order to keep the traffic flowing as smoothly as possible through the construction area.