Editorials

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Low and wet

By: Editorial

Posted: 04/19/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Flood waters have cut off Manitoba's major route to the United States again this year, a full two weeks before the Red River crests at Morris, where Highway 75 was closed Monday. The closure costs the trucking industry alone millions of dollars -- the flood is similar to that in 2009 when Highway 75 was closed for 36 days.

Transportation Minister Steve Ashton found some good news in the extra cost and headache to the residents, businesses and commercial interests that rely on the trade route. Mr. Ashton noted it was initially feared the highway would close as early as last week. Improvements over the years have cut the flood's impact.

Flood Fight

Flood Fight

The latest news about flooding in southern Manitoba this spring.
Interactive Map

Points of interest in Manitoba's flood fight
Compare floods

Compare today's river level in Winnipeg with levels during the 1950, 1997 and 2009 floods.

Related Items

Articles
- REPLAY: Province raising flood gates again

Since 1997, when the highway closed for 44 days, the province has mulled over how to deal with the sea that rises in the Red River Valley some springs. Highway 75 was raised as much as a foot in places, but the confluence of the Morris and Red rivers at Morris remains vexatious. The issue is how to raise the road without turning it into a dike that compounds flood problems for nearby communities.

Mr. Ashton said consultations last year focused on some options, now being refined, including the expensive diversion of the Morris River north of the town. The intent has always been to raise Highway 75 to Interstate standards, in surfacing, elevation and drainage. Flooding closes North Dakota's I-29 when the Red rises, but for many fewer days.

The Flood of the Century put a harsh light on the vulnerabilities this side of the border. Changes in the 14 years since have been piecemeal. Mr. Ashton must make this year the last that Highway 75 suffers a prolonged closure.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 19, 2011 A10

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Editorials

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.