The City conducted a program of extensive public engagement prior to developing the design of the new Disraeli Bridges. A key element of the public consultation process entailed the creation of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee consisting of local residents, business people and neighbourhood/community groups and involved several open houses.
These public consultations made it clear that Winnipeggers wanted the Disraeli Bridges Project to accommodate motorists as well as pedestrians and cyclists, and they wanted the bridges kept open to vehicular traffic throughout construction.
The Provincial and Federal Government funding received for the project was critical in enabling Plenary Roads Winnipeg, the group the City chose to design, build and maintain the new bridges, to meet these expressed wishes of the public while keeping within budgetary constraints.
Here are some of the key aspects of the design and construction plan developed by Plenary:
• A minimum of four lanes will remain open throughout construction during all peak travel times (Monday to Friday 6 am to 6 pm.
• The bridges crossing the Red River and the CP Rail mainline will be replaced with entirely new structures.
• A separate, new Active Transportation bridge will be built utilizing the existing river bridge piers, proving cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users with an easily accessible, functional and attractive cross of the Red River.
• Pedestrians and cyclists will also be able to cross the Red River on the vehicular bridge, which will feature a sidewalk and bike sharrows.
• The bridge and overpass are designed to accommodate future expansion to six lanes, should that option be pursued.
• Improved lighting, landscaping and aesthetic elements such as an under-bridge art gallery and gateway features will create a more attractive and residential feel for the adjoining neighbourhoods.
Some land needs to be acquired for the project. The details of the land acquisition plan are being finalized, and every effort is being made to minimize property disruption. In all, nine residential and 10 commercial/nonresidential properties may be affected, with most involving the acquisition of narrow strips, or slivers, of land. No more than two homes, and possibly none at all depending on final design details, will need to be acquired. The owners of all the affected properties have already been notified, and in accordance with established policy, the City is endeavouring to negotiate the purchase of any required land with the owners.
Representatives from the City and Plenary have recently met and will hold future meetings with neighbourhood groups to keep them up to date on project developments. In addition public information open houses are being scheduled for mid-April
