Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover has expressed frustration with the lack of maintenance on Road 38N, or Clearsprings Road. Councillor Bob Brandt says there is a half mile stretch that is a mud hole today, and he says motorists have the City of Steinbach to thank.

According to Brandt, in the last annexation agreement, Steinbach took control over the one mile stretch between Twin Creek Road and Road 31E. That is because the city's lagoons border on either side of that one mile stretch.

Brandt says it is his belief that Steinbach would like to close that road and is therefore neglecting maintenance. With all the rain we have received in recent weeks, Brandt says today it is a mud hole. He guesses between 10 and 15 loads of gravel, plus some proper blading and packing are needed just to get that road fit for use again.

"That road has to remain open, because it's a main conduit," urges Brandt.

Yet, he says no car or truck would be able to drive that stretch right now.

Brandt says farmers living in that area often use Clearsprings Road in order to access the implement dealerships on Highway 12.

"This is basically the only route unless we go on highways, but you don't want to bring big equipment down the highways," he says.

Add to that, the fact the bridge along Road 39N was intentionally set on fire this summer, and Brandt says keeping Clearsprings Road open is that much more important.

"That road is also a main conduit going on to Brunkild on to Ste. Agathe, it's a shortcut," he says. "You save yourself ten minutes of driving every time you go there."

Council for the RM of Hanover is hoping to arrange a delegation with Steinbach City Council to discuss the matter.