Construction at Highway 12 and 210 intersection expected to begin in 2026

Work continues toward long-awaited safety upgrades at the intersection of Highway 12 and Provincial Road 210 near Ste. Anne.

A provincial spokesperson says Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) is finalizing a functional design study for the intersection. The study will determine the final design and ensure the project accommodates future traffic growth while improving safety.

“The department expects the study to be finalized later this fall,” the spokesperson said. “In the meantime, MTI has been moving ahead with further design activities to prepare for construction, which is anticipated to begin in 2026.”

The spokesperson added that while the study will confirm the final plans, “some preparatory design activities have begun, which are not specific to any particular design choice.”

Background: addressing a history of collisions

The intersection has long been known for serious collisions and near-misses. In 2023, the province completed an In-Service Road Safety Review to identify both short-term and long-term strategies to improve safety.

Several short-term measures were installed following that review, including:

• rumble strips on PR 210 approaching Highway 12

• red flashing lights on stop signs

• enlarged stop signs and “Stop Ahead” signage

• refreshed paint lines

The review also explored long-term strategies such as realigning the intersection, adding traffic signals, introducing restricted crossing designs, and building a roundabout or partial closure.

At the time, MTI said these options required “significant planning and analysis due to their potential impacts on surrounding communities and developments.” Those findings led to the current functional design study, now nearing completion.

Public consultations helped shape the design

Earlier this year, MTI hosted a second open house in Ste. Anne to present four design options to residents. The proposals included various intersection modifications and a roundabout, but not traffic lights—a change some residents had hoped to see.

The Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne formally recommended the roundabout option to improve traffic flow.

Construction targeted for 2026

While the province has not confirmed which design will move forward, the current study and design work are setting the stage for construction to begin in 2026.

MTI says more information about the final design and construction timeline will be shared once the functional design study is complete later this fall.