Winnipeg, MB - Modern and efficient community infrastructure like roads and bridges contributes to a high quality of life by helping connect people to jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring Canadians spend less time on the road and more time with their families.
Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations, joined Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman to officially break ground on the Waverley Street Underpass project.
The $155-million, multi-faceted project includes the replacement of the existing at-grade railway crossing at Waverley Street and Taylor Avenue with an underpass. The project also includes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Waverley Street as well as the widening of Taylor Avenue between Waverley Street and Lindsay Street to four lanes. Once completed, the project will improve traffic safety, mobility and capacity, as well as enhance pedestrian and cycling opportunities.
To keep traffic moving while the underpass is built, a four-lane detour road is now under construction. In addition, several other portions of the project will get underway in the spring and fall of 2017 including a rail detour, pedestrian and cycling detour, Grant Avenue and Waverley Street intersection improvements and the rehabilitation of Waverley Street between Mathers and Grant Avenues.
The Waverley Underpass project is expected to open by the end of 2019 with some minor work such as landscaping continuing into 2020.
Quotes
“Our government is working with our partners, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help grow the middle class, make our cities safer and more livable. Investment in Winnipeg’s road infrastructure is crucial, and the Waverley Street Underpass project will help improve traffic flow and increase safety for everyone.”
The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources,
On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“We are proud to work with our federal and municipal partners to invest in strategic transportation infrastructure. These types of investments create jobs, and promote economic growth in our region while fostering stronger, more sustainable communities where Manitobans can live and work. When completed, the Waverley Underpass will alleviate traffic flow issues resulting in a more efficient flow of both people, and goods.”
Honourable Eileen Clarke,
Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations
“Today’s sod-turning on the Waverley Underpass marks an important milestone towards improving the flow of traffic in this part of the City. As Winnipeg grows towards one million people, it is crucial to have a transportation system that is efficient at moving people and investments like this position Winnipeg to handle steady growth into the future.”
Brian Bowman, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg
Quick facts
- The governments of Canada and Manitoba are each contributing up to $45.9 million to this project through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component - National and Regional Projects.
- The City of Winnipeg will cover the balance of the costs for this $155-million project. CN is also contributing $9.5 million to the City’s share of the project.
- Approximately 30,000 vehicles and between 35 and 40 trains pass through this rail crossing on a daily basis.
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- Budget 2017 proposes over $10.1 billion in trade and transportation projects across Canada. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated links
Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017