Residents in two towns in southwestern Manitoba are expressing frustration over the dangerous conditions of Highway 41, where large potholes and missing sections of pavement are causing hazardous driving situations. The highway, located in the rural municipality of Ellice-Archie northwest of Brandon, links McAuley, St-Lazare, and Binscarth from the Trans-Canada Highway to the Yellowhead Highway.
Barry Lowes, the Reeve of Ellice-Archie, described the road as extremely perilous, recounting an incident where he damaged a rim on his truck near McAuley while en route to his granddaughter’s graduation. The road’s deterioration dates back a decade, attributed to flooding events in 2011 and 2014.
Despite the prolonged neglect, the highway remains heavily utilized by farmers, truckers, and campers. Lowes highlighted the abundance of potholes of varying sizes along the route, with gaping holes disrupting the center line and missing chunks on the shoulders marked by pink and white paint.
One particularly troublesome section, approximately 15 kilometers south of McAuley, features broken pavement and holes in both lanes, prompting drivers to veer onto gravel surfaces, exacerbating the road’s condition. Lowes has persistently urged the provincial government, particularly the NDP, to address the road’s state, even engaging with Manitoba Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor without receiving concrete solutions.
Amidst mounting concerns, maintenance crews have commenced patching works along the highway, with Naylor acknowledging ongoing efforts to address urgent maintenance needs and planned repairs in the coming months. In St-Lazare, business owner Dolores Fouillard echoed frustrations over the recurring temporary fixes, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the entire road.
Fouillard expressed worries over the escalating traffic on the highway, especially with the influx of commuters traveling to a nearby potash mine in Rocanville, Saskatchewan. As the road sees increased commercial and industrial traffic, concerns persist over safety, particularly with the imminent return to school and the transportation of children.
The deteriorating condition of Highway 41 poses significant risks, prompting calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of all road users.