Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba and Winnipeg

August 24, 2010

Province Invests $38.1 Million in Winnipeg Roads, Bike Paths in 2010

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Funding will Improve Safety for Cyclists, Provide Smoother Traffic Flow for Motorists: Selinger

The Manitoba government is investing $38.1 million this year in upgrades and repairs to Winnipeg’s major roads, residential streets and bikes paths, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
 
“Roads are the arteries of a healthy city and must be constantly maintained and improved if a city is to grow and thrive,” Sellinger said.  “With this latest investment of $38.1 million in Winnipeg, we have now committed more than $178 million to help the capital city build a stronger economy and better neighbourhoods.”
 
Today’s provincial investment of $38.1 million will go toward:
·        $25 million for four major infrastructure projects:  Chief Peguis Trail, the Jubilee overpass, Sturgeon Road Bridge and Pembina Highway underpass including $500,000 to develop a new bike route along Pembina Highway; and
·        $13.1 million to cost share 50 per cent of every residential and regional street repair scheduled by the city in 2010.
 
The province has already advanced more than $23 million to the City of Winnipeg to ensure that planning and construction work could begin as quickly as possible.
 
“This year’s projects include bicycle paths that will increase safety for cyclists and improve traffic flow for motorists,” said Selinger.  “The funding we invest in Winnipeg’s priority projects demonstrates our commitment to the city’s vibrant future as a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.”
 
To date, the province has committed to more than $178 million in multi-year funding to improve Winnipeg streets:
·        $125 million over five years starting in 2007 including $6 million for bike paths;
·        $53.3 million over the next 10 years starting with $6.1 million in 2010 to eliminate the need to close the Disraeli Bridge during reconstruction.
 
“Since I became mayor in 2004, the City of Winnipeg has increased funding to repair our crumbling infrastructure by 450 per cent,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Fixing our roads and bridges is a top priority for Winnipeggers and I’m pleased that the provincial and federal governments continue to partner with the city to address these very important projects.”
 
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED



Background Information
Winnipeg Infrastructure Funding - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/8/WinnipegInfrastructureFunding.doc