A busy Winnipeg intersection in Downtown may soon be open to pedestrians.
On Sept. 20, the City of Winnipeg issued a tender for construction that will allow pedestrians to cross the intersection at Portage and Main at street level (an at-grade crossing).
The operation of the intersection would change significantly to facilitate the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists through the busy intersection. It includes:
- Demolishing and removing the existing barrier walls
- Installing new traffic signals and streetlights
- Adding a curb extension on the southeast corner to allow for shorter pedestrian crossing distance across Portage Avenue and more pedestrian space at the corner
- Repairing and adjusting existing medians
- Installing new curbs and sidewalks throughout the intersection to accommodate pedestrian crossings on all four corners of the intersection
To see a detailed listing of the major construction components, reference Tender No. 675-2024 on the City's Bid Opportunities site.
To develop a detailed work plan, the successful proponent will be required.
The tender is expected to be awarded on Nov. 8, 2024 with construction expected to start on Nov. 15, 2024. Work on all four corners of the intersection are expected to occur concurrently.
To keep as little disruption as possible to the businesses during construction, steps will be outlined in the site accessibility plan which the successful proponent will be responsible for.
The successful proponent is also expected to cooperate with current construction and scheduled construction plans in the area. The contract has a key responsibility of paying attention to pedestrian and vehicle safety.
It is anticipated that work will be fully complete by June 27, 2025. The expected date will go along with the launch of Winnipeg Transit’s new Primary Transit Network on June 29, 2025. The at-grade pedestrian crossing is expected to open shortly after on July 1, 2025.