PR 311 bridge replacement to cost $16 million, work could start next week

Construction is expected to start next month on rebuilding the bridge along Provincial Road 311 northeast of New Bothwell.

The bridge burned on May 10th, on what ended up being a very busy afternoon and evening for Hanover firefighters. The Hanover Fire Department received its first call at 5:09 pm and responded to a couple of hydro poles and a small shed that caught fire north of PR 311. Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says there was some crop residue burning on some fields in that area and the fire spread to the hydro poles and shed. 

Crews extinguished the blaze and returned to the fire hall. However, moments later, firefighters were dispatched to the same area after Manitoba Hydro crews noticed fire in that same field was approaching a bridge along Road 26E, just north of PR 311.

By the time firefighters arrived, the bridge was already burning. And, while on scene, they noticed a second bridge, this one on PR 311, had also caught fire. 

Both bridges ended up being a total loss. 

The province then began planning for a rebuild of the PR 311 bridge spanning the Manning Canal between the New Bothwell and Landmark turnoffs. A provincial spokesperson says the construction contract was publicly tendered and has been awarded to Graham Construction and Engineering of Winnipeg.

The total project cost for the new bridge is estimated at approximately $16 million. Though the bridge lies in Hanover, it is located along a Provincial Road and therefore the cost is covered by the province.

A provincial spokesperson says construction is expected to begin in February with the work substantially complete and open to traffic by December of this year. Total project completion is anticipated in summer of 2025.