A new bridge over the Red Sucker River is an important addition to Manitoba’s winter road system. Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, Minister responsible for the East Side Road Authority (ESRA), joined ESRA CEO Ernie Gilroy, Red Sucker Lake Chief Les Harper and community members for an official ribbon-cutting event at the bridge site
March 7, 2013
New Bridges Strategically Located to Extend Winter Road Season: Robinson
With the winter road season open and all-season road construction underway, ESRA is reminding all drivers on the winter road network on the east side of Lake Winnipeg to slow down, follow all signs and use caution when approaching construction workers and equipment.
March 7, 2013
FOURTH BRIDGE ON EAST SIDE ROAD SYSTEM OFFICIALLY OPEN
– – –New Bridges Strategically Located to Extend Winter Road Season: Robinson
RED SUCKER LAKE FIRST NATION¾A new bridge over the Red Sucker River will form part of the permanent road system currently under construction while immediately helping to extend the length of time local residents and commercial truck drivers can use the winter road network, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, minister responsible for the East Side Road Authority (ESRA), said here today as he and Ernie Gilroy, CEO of the ESRA, joined Red Sucker Lake Chief Les Harper for an official ribbon-cutting event at the bridge site.
“Winter roads are the lifelines for many remote communities and by focusing our investments on strategic locations that are impacted by early thaws, we can help extend the length of time they can be safely used,” said Robinson. “At the same time, by working with the community, we are ensuring that local residents are benefiting from training and jobs related to one of the largest economic development initiatives in the history of this region.”
“This bridge benefits our community by increasing the time we can use the winter road network,” said Harper. “This means lower prices for food, fuel and other goods for our residents. At the same time, the construction of the bridge resulted in jobs and training opportunities for local people. We look forward to working with ESRA on future projects.”
The Red Sucker River bridge project was undertaken under a community benefits agreement by a construction company owned by Red Sucker Lake First Nation and its joint venture partner Arnason Industries. The project began in June 2012 and was recently completed. The new bridge is a single‑lane structure, 5.3 metres wide and 61 m long. Approximately 28 local residents were employed on the project, which is valued at about $5 million.
“Due to the remote location of the bridge site, there were many logistical challenges related to the project,” said Gilroy. “By working together, we were able to meet these challenges and complete the project in time for this year’s winter road season.”
Gilroy noted that similar bridges are currently being installed at Mainland River and Feather Rapids along the winter road network.
In addition to the Acrow Bridges panel system structure at Red Sucker River, additional new bridges were recently opened to coincide with this year’s winter road season at Loon and Longbody creeks on the all-season road between PR 304 and Bloodvein First Nation. Last year, the Wanipigow River Bridge was opened to coincide with the start of the 2012 winter road season.“Winter roads are the lifelines for many remote communities and by focusing our investments on strategic locations that are impacted by early thaws, we can help extend the length of time they can be safely used,” said Robinson. “At the same time, by working with the community, we are ensuring that local residents are benefiting from training and jobs related to one of the largest economic development initiatives in the history of this region.”
“This bridge benefits our community by increasing the time we can use the winter road network,” said Harper. “This means lower prices for food, fuel and other goods for our residents. At the same time, the construction of the bridge resulted in jobs and training opportunities for local people. We look forward to working with ESRA on future projects.”
The Red Sucker River bridge project was undertaken under a community benefits agreement by a construction company owned by Red Sucker Lake First Nation and its joint venture partner Arnason Industries. The project began in June 2012 and was recently completed. The new bridge is a single‑lane structure, 5.3 metres wide and 61 m long. Approximately 28 local residents were employed on the project, which is valued at about $5 million.
“Due to the remote location of the bridge site, there were many logistical challenges related to the project,” said Gilroy. “By working together, we were able to meet these challenges and complete the project in time for this year’s winter road season.”
Gilroy noted that similar bridges are currently being installed at Mainland River and Feather Rapids along the winter road network.
With the winter road season open and all-season road construction underway, ESRA is reminding all drivers on the winter road network on the east side of Lake Winnipeg to slow down, follow all signs and use caution when approaching construction workers and equipment.
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