Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Public Service’s report regarding the proposed Capital Integration Project was considered today by members of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works.
The project is comprised of significant infrastructure components in the southwest quadrant of the city: completion of Stage 2 of the Southwest Transitway, renewal and expansion of the Pembina Underpass, and sewer/land drainage upgrades in the Jubilee area to reduce the potential for flooding in the underpass. The sewer/drainage improvements would also coordinate with the Cockburn-Calrossie sewer upgrade project that is currently underway.
Integration of these infrastructure improvements would accommodate anticipated population growth in southwest Winnipeg that will lead to an estimated 50 per cent traffic increase on Pembina Highway by 2031. Proposed improvements, which are consistent with the Council-approved Transportation Master Plan (2011), would better accommodate modes of choice (cars, trucks, buses and active transportation) in a more sustainable way, right from project completion and well into the future.
“If approved by Council, the Capital Integration Project will help stimulate infill development, reduce traffic congestion, improve travel times, and increase the reliability of Transit service in the Southwest area of the City,” said Dave Wardrop, Director, Winnipeg Transit. “The potential benefits of integrating these projects, as well as the P3 financing model, will provide the community with high value for its investment.”
By bundling Stage 2 of the Southwest Transitway, the widening of the Pembina Highway Underpass and the associated land drainage works together under one Capital Integration Project, the City is expected to save significant costs by eliminating the need to relocate the rail line at least twice during construction. By constructing the projects at once, construction timelines and traffic disruption will also be minimized.
In order to fulfill the requirements of the Province of Manitoba's Public-Partnerships Transparency & Accountability Act, today's Committee meeting also provided the public an opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions about the public-private partnership (P3 or PPP) aspects of the project.
Visit City of Winnipeg - Southwest Transitway / Capital Integration Project for more information.
The Public Service report on the proposed Capital Integration Project is available.