Work is underway to build the bridge along PR 422 in the Municipality of Morris up to 2009 flood standards.

Construction crews moved into the area southwest of Rosenort earlier in February and are expected to remain there throughout the summer and into the fall. Work at the site includes the construction of a new bridge as well as increased elevation of the approaches to the bridge to accommodate a high water event.

The project has closed the road to traffic between PR 205 and Road 30N, and a detour has vehicles going a mile west to Road 1W, which Reeve Ralph Groening admits isn't ideal.

"It's not a paved road so we understand the challenges and the inconvenience that is involved," he said. "We quietly ask for our residents to be understanding because at the end of the day we will have a safer (road), we will have a bridge that will allow access in a Manitoba flood. It is an improvement of infrastructure in the R.M. of Morris."

Groening added the municipality and the province will work to properly maintain the unpaved route during this time.

Overall, the reeve is pleased to see the project, which has been in the works for several years, is finally coming to fruition.

"Anyone that travels on 422 understands the bridge needs replacing," said Groening.

A detour is expected to remain in place through summer.