The government of Manitoba, Canada, is set to make a multi-million dollar investment towards major improvements along Provincial Trunk Highway 59 (PTH 59).

The improvements include the immediate undertaking of design work on the PTH 59 and PTH 101 interchange, along with major paving projects and bridge rehabilitation.

Manitoba premier Greg Selinger said the PTH 59 route is frequently used for business and leisure and the investment will improve road conditions for drivers.

An initial C$160m ($147.3m) will be spent on improving the PTH 59 over the next five years, with further investments to be allocated after the completion of the PTH 59/PTH 101 interchange.

The design and tendering of PTH 59/PTH 101 interchange project will be completed this year. Construction will begin late 2015 and will be completed over three years.

An active transportation overpass at the north-east Perimeter Highway and Raleigh Street/Gateway Road will also be built along with structures at the north-east Perimeter Highway and PTH 59 interchange, in order to link the north-east Pioneers Greenway, the Duff Roblin Parkway Trail and Birds Hill Park.

The projects are part of the government’s C$5.5bn ($5bn) five-year plan to focus on building Manitoba’s core infrastructure priorities, in order to create more jobs within the province.