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Public Works
Walk Bike Projects

Downtown Bike Lane System and Street Improvements

This project is now complete

Ce projet est terminé

Connecting the Forks to the Exchange District

Study, Design, Construction

Construction of a new, two-way protected bike lane along Garry Street with connections to the Exchange District on Notre Dame Avenue, Princess Street, and Arthur Street is underway and is expected to be complete in 2019.

The project includes street pavement rehabilitations and resurfacing on Garry Street between Assiniboine Avenue and Portage Avenue. New tree plantings, increased bike parking and site amenities throughout the project area will be included. When complete, the new protected bike lane will provide a safe link from the Assiniboine Avenue cycle track to the Exchange District. The two-way bike lane will be physically separated from vehicle traffic, enhancing safety and comfort for all users.

Reconstruction and streetscaping was completed in 2018 on Donald Street between Portage Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue, Garry Street between Portage Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue, Notre Dame Avenue between Portage Avenue and Princess Street, as well as the resurfacing of Princess Street between Notre Dame Avenue and William Avenue.

Construction was also completed in 2018 along McDermot and Bannatyne Avenues as part of the West Alexander to East Exchange Corridor project.

Timeline


  • Updates
  • Background
  • Documents
  • Engage
  • FAQs
  • Maps

Updates

May 2019

Construction will soon begin on the Garry Street Renewal portion of the Downtown Bike Lanes System. You can sign up to receive weekly construction updates by sending an email to downtownstreets@winnipeg.ca.

This project will include a full renewal of Garry Street between Portage and Assiniboine Avenues, as well as the addition of a bike lane and streetscaping such as new sidewalks, added trees and new lighting features.

2019 map

One lane of traffic will be maintained throughout construction, with additional lanes maintained where possible.

One sidewalk will remain open throughout and access to all businesses will be maintained. Parking on the street will be prohibited in construction zones as needed. Loading zones will be maintained where possible.

Accommodation for cyclists will be made during construction to assure their safe passage through the construction zones.

April 2019

Phase 2 construction will resume in early May. Work includes Garry Street from Portage Avenue to Assiniboine Avenue. Work on Garry Street will include; removal of the existing asphalt overlay and placement of new asphalt overlay; pavement joint and slab repairs as required; construction of a new protected bi-directional bike lane on the east side of the street; curb and sidewalk renewals; and, installation of new streetscaping elements (pedestrian lighting, bike racks, sitting benches and trees). Phase 2 will also include completing minor work remaining from Phase 1 including landscaping, streetscaping and ornamental lighting. View the construction notice.

May 2018

Construction of the Downtown Bike Lane System and Street Improvements project will resume in mid-May. The project will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 construction is anticipated to take place during the 2018 construction season, with phase 2 taking place during the 2019 construction season. For more details, please see the April construction notice.

February 2018

Construction of the Downtown Bike Lane System and Street Improvements project will start up again this spring. The project will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 construction is anticipated to take place during the 2018 construction season, with phase 2 taking place during the 2019 construction season. For more details, please see the February construction notice.

Construction notices related to work in the project area will be posted here prior to construction. If you have questions about road renewals or want to receive construction notices via email please contact Debbie Hillman at AECOM Canada 204-928-7445 or Debbie.hillman@aecom.com.

July 2017

Downtown infrastructure improvements, including construction of a new downtown protected bike lane, are beginning this summer. For more information, please see the June construction notice.

June 2017:

Starting in June 2017, a five month project to replace the aging water mains in the downtown area is underway. For more information and for a list of specific sites that are being renewed, please see the following construction notices:

Background

The chosen design for the new downtown bike lane is the product of a multi-stage public engagement process that took place in 2015 and 2016. Included in the project are new security bollards for the Winnipeg Police Service Headquarters. An earlier phase of the downtown bike lanes project—a new bike crossing on Main Street to create a cycling link from Assiniboine Avenue to The Forks—was constructed in 2016.

The Downtown Bike Lane System reflects the long-term policy framework set out in Winnipeg's Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies, which were approved by Council in 2015. These strategies serve as a roadmap for civic investments into infrastructure and active transportation support programs in order to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient, accessible, and attractive to citizens.

Improving the range of travel options available to Winnipeggers, including options that promote active transportation and healthy living, was a key goal of the 2011 Transportation Master Plan.

Work completed to date (April 2019) includes:

  • Albert Street watermain renewal - McDermot Avenue to Notre Dame Avenue
  • Notre Dame Avenue reconstruction, protected bike lanes and streetscaping - Portage Avenue to Princess Street
  • Remainder of Donald Street reconstruction between Portage Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue
  • Garry Street reconstruction, protected bike lanes and streetscaping - Portage Avenue to Notre Dame Avenue
  • Princess Street resurfacing - William Avenue to Notre Dame Avenue
  • Notre Dame Avenue protected bike lane - Princess Street to Adelaide Street
  • Arthur Street painted bike lane - Notre Dame Avenue to McDermot Avenue
  • Construction in McDermot and Bannatyne intersections from Waterfront Drive to Furby Street as part of the West Alexander to East Exchange corridor project.
  • Watermain renewal:
    • Donald Street - Portage Avenue to Notre Dame Avenue COMPLETE
    • Princess Street - Notre Dame Avenue to William Avenue COMPLETE
    • Arthur Street - McDermot Avenue to Notre Dame Avenue COMPLETE
    • Smith Street -  Ellice Avenue to Notre Dame Avenue COMPLETE
    • Garry Street -  Portage Avenue to Graham Avenue COMPLETE
    • Garry Street - Broadway to Assiniboine Avenue COMPLETE
    • Broadway - Smith Street to Garry Street   COMPLETE
    • Pioneer Avenue near Main Street COMPLETE

 

Documents

Document Name Date Type
Community consultations begin for three City pedestrian and cycling projects 2015-09-11 News release
Phase 1 – Newspaper Advertisement 2015-10-05 Advertisement
Phase 1 – Invitation 2015-10-06 Community letters
Phase 1 – Open House Storyboards 2015-10-06 Story Boards
Public invited to open houses to provide input on two City pedestrian and cycling projects 2015-10-08 News release
Phase 1 – Survey Summary 2015-12-15 Report
Phase 1 – Stakeholder Meeting Summary 2016-01-09 Report
Phase 1 – Tire Talk Summary 2016-01-09 Report
Phase 1 – Open House Summary 2016-01-09 Report
Phase 1 – Public Engagement Report 2016-01-09 Report
Phase 2 – Newspaper Advertisement 2016-02-24 Advertisement
Phase 2 – Invitation 2016-03-01 Community letters
Phase 2 – Poster 2016-03-01 Advertisement
Phase 2 – Pop-up Materials 2016-03-01 Pop-up materials
Winnipeggers invited to provide feedback on design options for the Downtown Bike Lane System and Downtown Pedestrian and Cycling Corridor 2016-03-11 News release
Phase 2 – Public Engagement Report 2016-06-01 Report
Winnipeggers invited to view and provide feedback on preferred designs for two pedestrian and cycling projects 2016-06-10 News release
Phase 3 – Newspaper Advertisement 2016-06-07 Advertisement
Phase 3 – Invitation 2016-06-07 Community letters
Phase 3 – Pop-up storyboards 2016-06-07 Story Boards
Phase 3 – Public Engagement Report 2016-08-01 Report
Recommended design 2016-08-01 Report
June 2017 construction notice 2017-06-19 Community Letters
February 2018 construction notice 2018-02-26 Community Letters
Construction notice 2018-04-27 Community Letters
Construction notice 2018-04-30 Community Letters
Construction notice 2018-05-14 Community Letters
Construction notice 2019-03-18 Community Letters
Construction notice 2019-05-03 Community Letters

Engage

Three phases of public engagement began in September 2015 and preceded selection of the final project design. View materials and reports from the engagement process.

If you would like to stay updated on City of Winnipeg public engagement events, follow the City on Facebook and Twitter or sign up for our newsletter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How was the final design for the Downtown Bike Lanes Project chosen?
The final design was selected in 2016 following a detailed study of the project area, including a multi-phase public engagement process in 2015 and 2016. Public input was collected through a public engagement website, stakeholder meetings, community workshops, streetside "tire talks" with cyclists, and open houses. Feedback received during this process directly shaped the final design.
How will pedestrians and cyclists be accommodated during construction?
Pedestrian access will be maintained to the extent possible, and any interruptions to access will be reviewed with the applicable property owner(s) prior to construction. Accommodation for cyclists will be made during construction to ensure their safe passage through the construction zones.
How will this project enhance safety?
Separating cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles is the safest way to accommodate each mode of transportation on a busy street. Apart from safe, separated lanes for all users, project improvements include enhanced street crossings, upgraded lighting, trees, and street furniture. The City is committed to creating a pedestrian and cycling network that is safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Will the new cycling lanes connect with existing cycling routes?
Yes. When complete, the upgraded cycling lanes along Notre Dame Avenue/Princess Street/Garry Street will intersect with the Assiniboine Avenue cycle track, providing a seamless link through Downtown. The new crossing at Main Street (completed in 2016) and an enhanced crossing at Portage Avenue will ensure continuity through Downtown and between The Forks and the Exchange District.
How will this impact area businesses?
We're working with local businesses and other area stakeholders to ensure that both the construction and finished product balances their needs. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the construction, with as many loading zones as possible remaining available. The final design maintains as much on-street parking and loading as possible.
Will there be a loss of on-street parking and loading zone space?
Local businesses and other area stakeholders were directly consulted to ensure that improved cycling infrastructure balances the needs of area businesses. The final design maintains as much on-street parking and loading as possible, with an approximate 15% reduction in parking on Garry and Fort streets.
I thought this project was supposed to be completed in 2018. Why will it take until 2019 to complete?
As the project design process progressed, it was determined this complex project needed to be undertaken over three construction seasons to properly coordinate water main renewals, utility work, road renewals, bike lane construction, as well as streetscaping, lighting, and pedestrian environment enhancements. The City will make every effort to complete this project as soon as possible and is committed to providing timely communication about construction to stakeholders. Prior to any construction taking place, notices will be distributed to those residences/businesses directly affected.
Why is it so complicated? Can't the City put up pre-cast concrete barriers like Calgary and Edmonton and get the bike network built more quickly?
The City has a proposed grid of permanent protected bike lanes in the Downtown core, as approved by Council in the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. Progress on the high priority throughout the Downtown network is being balanced with other priorities in the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies including closing gaps in the city-wide network to connect to the Downtown core and other key destinations. Additionally, many of roads and sidewalks in the Downtown are in poor condition and do not meet current accessibility design standards. To create safe, accessible infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and all users of the streets, these roads and sidewalks need to be renewed.

Maps

Area map 2019

2019 map

Final approved design

Final approved design


Recommended design map

Downtown recommended design map


Construction phasing map

Construction Phasing Map

West Alexander to East Exchange Corridor area map

Area map

Last update: May 2, 2019

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