Politicians in Manitoba officially turned the sod Friday to mark the start of work on a multi-million dollar roadway to support an inland port facility.

A four-lane highway will connect Winnipeg's airport, rail yards and roads to the project called CentrePort.

The inland port, northwest of Winnipeg's James Richardson International Airport, is set to become a massive depot for the movement of goods.

Roughly $300 million will be spent on upgrades to existing highways, as well as new interchanges.

Money for the work is coming from the federal and provincial governments.

"We are expanding Manitoba's already impressive transportation network and continuing to support the development of CentrePort Canada," Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said.

"Building our inland port will help attract new private investment, create jobs and generate economic growth that will position our province well for the future," he added.