Winnipeg, MB – Barricades came down and signals were unbagged this morning as the historic Portage & Main intersection welcomed at-grade pedestrians for the first time in more than four decades.
Pedestrians have not been able to cross the intersection at street level since 1979.
“Reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians is just one piece of a larger effort to make our downtown more connected, accessible, and welcoming,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Between this project, the Graham Avenue transformation, and the launch of the new transit network, it’s a big week for Winnipeg. We know there’s still a lot of work ahead, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Construction began on the intersection in late 2024. Work was required to be done prior to the June 29 activation of Winnipeg’s new Primary Transit Network.
Work included:
- Demolishing and removing the existing barrier walls
- Installing new traffic signals and streetlights
- Adding a curb extension on the southeast corner
- This will shorten crossing distances and add space for people to stand at the curb
- Repairing and adjusting existing medians
- Installing new curbs and sidewalks throughout the intersection
- Installing new Transit stops
“Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work and great cooperation between the City project team, consulting engineers, and the contractors,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. “The team from MD Steel worked tirelessly to deliver this project on time and on budget. When we meet those milestones – especially on such a high-profile project – it’s a testament to everyone involved and a cause for celebration.”
Those moving through the intersection saw a variety of lane closures and traffic configurations throughout the construction period.
Now that work is complete, the intersection looks and functions differently than before.
- Pedestrians can now cross in all four directions
- All four corners now have accessible pedestrian signals
- Signal timing is adjusted to make moving around safer for pedestrians and vehicles
- We’ve reconfigured lanes and traffic movements to improve safety:
- Vehicles can no longer turn right from Main Street onto Portage Avenue E
- Destinations on Portage Avenue East remain easily accessible via William Stephenson Way, Westbrook Street, and Lombard Avenue
- On eastbound Portage Avenue, there are now:
- Three left-turn lanes onto northbound Main Street
- One through lane
- One right-turn lane
- Vehicles can no longer turn right from Main Street onto Portage Avenue E
A priority of the project was ensuring safe, accessible movements were possible for all road users. This includes the many Winnipeggers who live and work in our downtown.
We remind drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to be aware of these changed movements and observe traffic signals at all times as they enjoy the new freedom to move at street-level.
“Portage & Main has always been more than just an intersection—it’s the heartbeat of Winnipeg,” said Vivian Santos, Councillor for Point Douglas, which encompasses the intersection.
“Today, with the opening of the at-grade pedestrian crossing, we’re reconnecting people to the very core of our city. This historic moment is about more than accessibility; it’s about unlocking the economic potential that’s been held back for decades. I’m proud to have supported this change, which will help create a more vibrant, welcoming, and walkable downtown for generations to come.”
“Downtown is home of the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Sea Bears, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Theatres, Museums, and a growing number of residents in downtown neighbourhoods like South Portage, Assiniboine, The Exchange District, Waterfront Drive, and very soon The Forks,” said Sherri Rollins, Councillor for Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry. “Removing the barriers at Portage and Main and opening the intersection to pedestrian foot traffic just makes sense.”
Construction took approximately eight months to complete and is expected to come in under the Council-approved budget of $21.27 million.