The Pembina Highway Underpass is now reopened to all lanes of traffic. (CITY OF WINNIPEG / FACEBOOK)
WINNIPEG — Motorists who frequently use Pembina Highway will no doubt appreciate the reopening of the Pembina Highway Underpass.
The roadway at Jubilee Avenue was flowing smoothly in all directions Friday as dignitaries cut a ribbon to signify the end of construction.
“The improvements to the Pembina Highway Underpass will greatly improve the flow of both people and goods in this area of the city,” said Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton.
“This newly enhanced infrastructure will support Manitobans for many years to come, increasing driver safety and improving travel times.”
The widened lanes and paving work was part of the second stage of the $420.9 million southwest transitway project, which was originally forecasted at $467.3 million.
Three lanes in each direction now flow from Stafford Street to Point Road, while new active transportation pathways on both sides offer pedestrians and cyclists more room to travel. The project also includes an improved drainage system (the previous underpass was notorious for flooding during heavy rainstorms), a new transitway over Pembina Highway bridge and the replacement of the existing rail bridge over Pembina Highway.
“With a third northbound lane added, dedicated pedestrian and cycle corridors on both sides of the underpass, and improved land drainage, these upgrades will keep Winnipeggers moving for many, many years into the future. To top it all off, it has come in even more under budget and eight weeks ahead of schedule,” said Mayor Brian Bowman.
The city and province are cost-sharing the transitway project, which will eventually connect Pembina Highway to the University of Manitoba and IG Field. Bus service on the corridor will begin in spring 2020.
