Construction on a new flood route for Highway 75 is well underway.

Work on the $16 million project began last fall and involves upgrading Provincial Road 246, between Morris and Aubigny on the east side of the Red River.

RM of Morris Reeve Ralph Groening says the roadway will be converted from gravel to asphalt to help ensure a safe route for people and the movement of goods during a Red River flood event on PTH 75.

"It's about 11 kilometers of road that will be raised and hard-surfaced, making it a solid road and an option as a flood route."

According to the province, Highway 75 has been closed approximately once every four years for an average of 24 days.

The detour will allow traffic to go around the worst of the flooding to keep commercial truck transport moving.

Groening says work actually began last fall and started up again this month and should be completed this year. He says the improved roadway will also serve his ratepayers during flood season and at other times of the year.

"We're pleased about that. There are some concerns that a new road will mean additional traffic especially in the small community of Aubigny. We'll want to make certain the road will have all the necessary signage to make the route as safe as possible for everyone."

According to the province, since 1996, on average, PTH 75 has been threatened with closure every 2.3 years and has been closed due to flooding every 4.2 years.

The average length of closure is about 28 days.