Motorists travelling through western Manitoba could see a major transportation link reopen before the end of the year.
The Manitoba government says repair work continues on the Shell River Bridge on Provincial Trunk Highway 83 near Inglis following significant flood damage caused by heavy rainfall in June. The bridge remains closed while crews carry out extensive reconstruction work.
According to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, several key milestones have already been completed. Engineering assessments are finished, temporary steel supports have been installed, and demolition of the damaged south abutment has been completed.
Construction crews are now focusing on building a new foundation and abutment for the structure. Once that work is complete, attention will shift to rebuilding the riverbank and restoring roadway approaches leading to the bridge.
In the meantime, a detour remains in place along Provincial Road 482 through Shellmouth and Dropmore.
The province says the bridge is expected to reopen to traffic in December, although the timeline remains dependent on weather conditions and construction progress. Remaining project work, including site cleanup and final finishing touches, is expected to continue into early next summer.
The reopening will restore a key transportation route for residents, businesses and commercial traffic in western Manitoba after months of detours caused by the closure.
Drivers can find the latest information on road conditions, closures and travel advisories through Manitoba 511.
