Manitoba Highways: Conditions, Projects, and Winter Safety
Winnipeg, January 16, 2026 – Manitoba’s highway system, maintained by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI), spans approximately 19,000 kilometres, with a focus on safety and efficiency. As winter conditions persist, drivers are advised to stay informed about road closures, maintenance, and upcoming projects. This article provides an update on current road conditions, major initiatives, and essential winter driving tips.
Road Conditions and Winter Maintenance
Manitoba 511 serves as a key resource for real-time highway information, offering maps, traffic cameras, and weather updates. In winter, MTI operates a fleet of about 340 truck plows, motor graders, and loaders across 46 maintenance yards. Roads are categorized into three service levels: Level 1 (major routes) for quick plowing within four hours post-storm; Level 2 (regional surfaced highways) within eight hours; and Level 3 (gravel roads) typically within 48 hours during normal hours.
Ice and traction control involve sanding or salting when temperatures range from 0°C to -10°C, or using salt/sand mixtures below -10°C. Operations prioritize major routes, with coverage generally within four hours. Winter roads to remote communities, constructed on ice and snow, require caution, with recommended speeds of 15 km/h for vehicles over seven tonnes. The Manitoba 511 app provides near real-time data on incidents, closures, and weather alerts.
Major Highway Projects
Manitoba is investing in infrastructure to enhance safety and connectivity. Key projects include the CentrePort Provincial Highway Network Functional Design Study, connecting PTH 190 to Chief Peguis Trail, with construction slated for 2026-2028. Other initiatives involve rehabilitation on PR 283 from PTH 10 to the Saskatchewan boundary, and improvements at PTH 1 and PTH 5 intersections following a 2023 incident. Bridge projects, such as replacements on PTH 5 over the Assiniboine River and PR 200 over the Red River, are underway. In Winnipeg, road construction on University Crescent and Pembina Highway overpasses continues, with lane closures expected through 2026.
The 2024-25 advertising schedule outlines tenders for grading, culvert replacements, bituminous reconstructions, and structure rehabilitations, totaling $500 million. This includes runway upgrades at Oxford House Airport and flood pump station replacements.
Key Facts / Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Highway System Length | 19,000 kilometres maintained by MTI |
| Winter Maintenance Fleet | Approximately 340 vehicles, including plows and graders |
| Service Levels – Plowing (Level 1) | Travel lanes cleared within 4 hours after storm ends |
| Service Levels – Traction Control (Level 1) | Applied as weather permits, generally within 4 hours |
| Major Projects Budget (2024-25) | $500 million in construction and material tenders |
| Winter Road Speed Limit | 15 km/h for vehicles over 7 tonnes gross vehicle weight |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manitoba 511 and how can it help drivers?
Manitoba 511 is a digital service providing maps, traffic cameras, weather data, and road conditions. Users can access it via website, app, or phone (dial 511) for real-time updates on closures, incidents, and construction.
How are winter roads maintained in Manitoba?
MTI uses a tiered system: Level 1 for major routes with rapid plowing and traction control; Level 2 for regional highways; and Level 3 for gravel roads. Maintenance includes snow removal, sanding, and monitoring for ice thickness on frozen waterways.
What safety tips should drivers follow in winter?
Check forecasts and conditions before travel, clear all vehicle windows and lights, maintain extra following distance (double on ice), and carry an emergency kit. Avoid passing snowplows, and if skidding, ease off the accelerator and steer gently.
Are there any major highway closures or restrictions?
Road closures are determined by RCMP based on safety. For current alerts, check Manitoba 511 or follow @MbGovRoads on X (Twitter). Ongoing projects may cause lane reductions, such as on University Crescent and Pembina Highway.