Winnipeg considering more money for roads

WINNIPEG — The city’s infrastructure committee wants Winnipeg to spend another $8 million on roads this year.

On Monday the committee approved a plan to take the money from the 2017 budget and invest it in 2016.

Janice Lukes, chair of the infrastructure committee, says prices for heavy construction items like asphalt and concrete are low making it more economical to spend the money now.

“It’s all about giving value for the taxpayers dollars and adding to the projects we’ve got on the go right now,” Lukes said.

The proposal still needs to be approved by the executive policy committee and city council.

READ: Infrastructure committee to debate spending more on roads

The committee directed the public works department to come up with a list of 15 local roads, one in each ward, which could be fast-tracked if council agrees to put the $8 million in place.