October 7, 2009
Provincial Funding Eliminates Need To Close Disraeli Bridge For 16 Months: Doer
The Province of Manitoba announced today at the foot of Winnipeg’s Disraeli Bridge that it will increase its annual roads funding to the City of Winnipeg to $38.1 million in 2010 from $32 million in 2009. This will result in a $53.3-million increase over a 10-year period, eliminating the need to close the bridge for 16 months.
“More than 42,000 vehicles per day access the Disraeli Freeway. The possibility of a total closure of this vital infrastructure for up to 16 months as proposed in the original $140-million rehabilitation plan was a major concern for the residents and businesses of Elmwood, and East and North Kildonan,” said Premier Gary Doer. “Today’s commitment will allow traffic concerns to be minimized during construction and will provide benefits that will last for decades into the future.”
The construction on the project is anticipated to begin in 2010. The city is currently in the midst of a competitive procurement process through which proposals from three well-qualified consortia are still being reviewed. The province’s commitment to the project today means, not only will active transportation be an integral part of the selected process, but the goal of minimizing traffic disruption during construction will be achieved, said Doer.
The provincial funding will also contribute towards options with design lives of 75 years, ensuring that today’s investment has long-lasting benefits for the citizens of Winnipeg, the premier added.
“As mayor, I have worked hard to fix our crumbling roads and bridges and meet the priorities of our citizens,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “I have stated emphatically the need to minimize traffic disruption for Winnipeggers. Today’s announcement will result in ensuring we are addressing our infrastructure needs while reducing the impact any closure would have on the citizens of northeast Winnipeg.”
“I have always insisted the province is willing and committed to be part of the solution to this infrastructure challenge. Today’s announcement will ensure the bridge remains open and that inconvenience will be minimized,” said Doer.
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