Winnipeg, MB – Today, Councillor Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works was joined by dignitaries from the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba to announce the conclusion of roadworks on Empress Street from Portage Avenue to St. Matthews Avenue.
The Empress Street and Overpass Reconstruction and Rehabilitation project was undertaken in phases over the last three years to minimize traffic disruptions. The project included pavement renewals, overpass rehabilitation, and a new cycling and pedestrian route.
The project was primarily funded by the City’s Capital Budget, with additional funding support of $921,000 from the Province of Manitoba, and $4.47 Million of Federal Gas Tax support. The overall project cost is approximately $23 million.
“In addition to improving road safety, the Empress Street rehabilitation project has created a new active transportation route for the benefit of all pedestrians and cyclists,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Families and everyone can now easily access and enjoy neighbourhood parks, and stay active while getting around the city. By investing in thousands of projects across the country, Canada’s Infrastructure plan builds stronger communities and supports local economies and priorities.”
“The Manitoba government is pleased to support this major upgrade and refurbishment of the roads and pathways in such a busy retail area,” said Rochelle Squires, Manitoba Minister of Municipal Relations. “We are especially proud of the improvements and inclusion around active transportation, with additional cycling lanes and improved, accessible pedestrian walkways.”
“It is fantastic to see this stretch of construction complete so Empress Street can get back to moving people efficiently in one of the city’s busiest areas,” said Councillor Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “Winnipeggers have been patient in all areas of the city as we continue historic investments into fixing our roads and the results can be clearly seen here in St. James.”
As part of the project, the Empress Street overpass was rehabilitated and new accessible pedestrian ramps on both the north and south side of Portage Avenue to Empress Street were constructed.
This project enhanced connections to the surrounding area by incorporating new bicycle paths consistent with the City's Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies, and includes a new bi-directional protected bike lane along Empress Street from the Assiniboine River path that connects to the painted bike lanes on St. Matthews Avenue. There are also new protected bike lane connections to area businesses via Eastway and Westway.
Slope stabilization work was undertaken along Omand's Creek and the Assiniboine River to accommodate the roadwork. The majority of the landscaping for the project and the bridge preservation maintenance work is expected to be concluded by the end of September.
For more information, please see: Roadworks on Empress Street from Portage Avenue to St. Matthews Avenue.