BREAKING: PTH 32 To Be Four-Laned, New Traffic Lights, Walking Path (VIDEO)

It's a historic announcement for the City of Winkler; PTH 32, a vital economic artery through the city, will start to be reconstructed and four-laned during the summer of 2020.

Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler and Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen made the announcement Monday Highway 32 will be reconstructed and twinned from Victoria Street to Norquay Drive just south of Highway 14.

Schuler says the project checks a number of boxes, including "safety, it's come to the end of its life-cycle, and also it's a very good return on investment."

"Winkler is growing, it's a city that is booming," he adds. "We're very excited about that as a government, and we want to be there to help the City of Winkler continue to grow."

Plans are to see the project go to tender in spring, with construction beginning in 2020 and finished by 2021.

A traffic plan will be implemented during construction, but because of the substantial amount of work being done, Schuler notes drivers can expect delays.

"Those are good problems though, it means the project is being built."

Two intersections will also see upgraded traffic lights, including Roblin Boulevard and Cargill Road, and installing new traffic lights at Mountain Avenue.

A walking path will also be installed on the east side of PTH 32. The railway crossing will also be upgraded.

Schuler says he's pleased to be working with Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen on the project.

"I got into this work of being an MLA in order to get things done," Friesen says, adding this is one of his longest-running files.

"But to be part of a government that formed only four years ago with a billion-dollar deficit, and huge challenges, and to be here today with Minister Ron Schuler, to get to this point feels very satisfying," Friesen says.

He notes the move is part of the Provincial government's stance on making evidence-based decisions.

"Winkler is one of the fastest-growing areas in Manitoba. The economy is booming, and we need these upgrades. We're so proud to announce they will be moving forward."