WINNIPEG - March 28, 2008 - Winnipeg, MB – Rehabilitation of the westbound structure of the Fort Garry Twin Bridges will begin on Sunday, April 13, 2008 and will take approximately five months to complete. Preparation for the bridge project will begin on Saturday, April 5, however the traffic diversion, which will be set up to re-route traffic traveling westbound on Bishop Grandin Boulevard onto the eastbound structure of the Fort Garry Twin Bridges, will not operate until April 13. During construction, the eastbound structure will accommodate two lanes of traffic in the eastbound direction and one lane of traffic in the westbound direction. While the final stages of the diversion are being set up on Sunday, April 13, traffic delays can be expected in the area and it is recommended that motorists allow additional traveling time and give consideration to alternative routes.

Construction work includes widening the structure with an additional westbound lane to exit onto Pembina Highway, the rehabilitation of the concrete decks, replacement of concrete traffic barriers, strengthening of steel bridge supporting girders and reconstruction of connecting roads. In the beginning of construction, traffic will be counted and adjustments such as re-timing traffic signal lights will be made to improve traffic flow as required.

Bill Larkin, Director of Public Works, says, “We prefer to pay $20 million now to rehabilitate and preserve the Fort Garry Twin Bridges for another 40 – 50 years rather than paying much more later.”

The Public Works Department will be promoting active transportation options such as commuter cycling alternatives during the bridge closure. A sidewalk over the bridges and pedestrian and cycling connections to it will be maintained throughout the rehabilitation of the bridges. In addition, pedestrian and cycling routes that connect to the bridge, transit options, and cycling networks to downtown will be identified.

Next fall, Public Works will construct a detour in the opposite direction and plans to complete the rehabilitation of the eastbound structure in 2009.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $20 million for both bridges including roadwork.

Transit routes 16, 51, 75, 76, and 101 will be maintained during construction. For more transit information, visit www.winnipegtransit.com

Additional project information can be found at winnipeg.ca/FortGarryBridge