2019-2021 Roblin Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project

The 2019-2021 Roblin Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project is supported by the Government of Canada’s New Building Canada Fund and the Province of Manitoba. It will involve rehabilitation work on Roblin Boulevard, including a new roadway surface and sidewalk infrastructure, and will ultimately lead to improved road drainage and prolonging the lifespan of the pavement. The project will also include improvements to pedestrian accessibility.

The work is anticipated to be completed over two construction seasons as follows:

2020

• Eastbound and westbound lanes from Windmill Way to Community Row

2021

• Eastbound and westbound lanes from Community Row to Dieppe Road

The roadway will be rehabilitated with concrete joint repairs, all new asphalt, new curbs, and new sidewalks (in most locations). This will result in better mobility for pedestrians and improved smoothness and drainage of the road.

Sightline (visibility) improvements and crosswalk realignments will be implemented to improve pedestrian safety at the intersections.

The majority of the sidewalks will be removed and replaced to improve accessibility and the pedestrian experience. They will be designed according to the latest accessibility standards and will focus on serving individuals with visual impairments. New design features include yellow detectable warning tiles, paving bands to assist in visually delineating the intended walking path, realigned pedestrian crossings, and improved sightlines to assist drivers in navigating through pedestrian crossings.

The existing shared curb lane facility will remain in place in both directions. Improvements will be made to the pavement/riding surface.

We will directly contact major stakeholders during the planning and design phase of the project to provide information on location-specific impacts and to determine specific needs during construction staging. We encourage those who feel they may be affected but have not yet heard from us to reach out directly via 311.

Major stakeholders include local businesses, schools, assisted living locations, library and fire hall directly affected by the outcomes of this project. We encourage those who feel they may be affected but have not yet heard from us to reach out directly via 311.

We are working hard to minimize impacts to businesses and residences during construction. We are maintaining one of the sidewalks (either north or south side depending on the construction stage) for pedestrian access, and also access to parking lots and alleys as much as possible; however, two primary types of short-term closures are scheduled:

• Partial approaches and driveways will be closed for short periods of time while they are being poured.
• All sidewalks will be closed for short periods of time while they are being poured.

Specific concerns can be voiced through channels outlined in the notification letters sent out prior to construction.

While we are working hard to minimize impacts, traffic lanes will be closed, and turning restrictions will be implemented throughout the various project areas to accommodate construction activities. Access through major intersections will be maintained; however, some side street approaches will be closed. Private/ local access to residents directly fronting Roblin Blvd will be maintained throughout construction.

We encourage those who feel they may be affected but have not yet heard from us to reach out directly via 311.

We are working closely with our Urban Forestry branch to preserve and protect trees as much as possible. In some cases, private trees with additional overhang currently encroaching and blocking pedestrian access on the sidewalk along Roblin Blvd will be trimmed to improve accessibility needs and to improve safety.

Transit services will be maintained throughout construction using various means such as stop relocations, temporary stop closures, and transit detours.

While the City continues to evaluate its services and projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic, road construction is considered an essential service by the Province of Manitoba and at this time is expected to proceed as planned with the following considerations:

• Our contractors are working with their industry and public health officials to determine safe work procedures for construction sites.
• In-person outreach and consultations to help us understand the needs of property owners adjacent to regional road renewals and other non-Capital projects will now be done remotely via phone, regular mail, email or other online channels.
• We are evaluating options for public engagement on larger capital projects and looking at how to continue to stay connected to Winnipeggers and their feedback and input. Updates on specific projects and their timeleines will be provided once information is available.

We are doing our best to reach stakeholders in a timely and efficient manner but also understand that normal is changing every day and people may no longer be reachable where, or how, we once expected.

If you are a stakeholder on an upcoming project and have new or temporary contact information, please reach out to PWDCommunications@winnipeg.ca.

Please reach out to us. Send an email to PWDCommunications@winnipeg.ca and we will have the project team contact you.