Route 90 Improvements Study

Route 90 is an important transportation corridor through Winnipeg, linking major residential, employment, and commercial areas in the southwest and northwest quadrants. The route needs to be upgraded to address current and future traffic volumes, new development, future redevelopment, and the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.

The City of Winnipeg (the City) developed a proposed design for improving Route 90 between Taylor Avenue and Ness Avenue, building on the recommendations of the 2012 Transportation Planning Study (TPS).

Background

The 2012 Transportation Planning Study

The City studied widening Route 90 in 2012. The 2012 Transportation Planning Study recommended to widen Route 90 on the west side between Taylor Avenue and Tuxedo Boulevard, transitioning to widen the east side between Tuxedo Boulevard and the St. James Bridges.

The recommendation was based on technical and cost-benefit considerations, neighbourhood impacts, pedestrian and cyclists' needs, and public input gathered through a city-wide scientific survey, stakeholder interviews, meetings with residents and businesses, telephone surveys and public open houses. Key stakeholders in the project area included local residents, businesses and property owners, as well as transportation groups.

New Developments Since 2012

A number of changes have occurred since the 2012 Transportation Planning Study. These changes will need to be considered as the project moves forward. These changes include:

Updated traffic information and forecasts
The Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies approved by City Council in 2015
New accessibility requirements for pedestrian ramps
Updates and future planning for Winnipeg Transit
Updates to the surrounding transportation network
New residential, business, and industrial development in the area
Changing conditions of roadways, bridges, and water mains
New information on the Kapyong lands redevelopment
Updates to the St. James bridge and interchanges at Portage Avenue and Academy Road in light of bridge conditions and to improve access, safety and visibility

The 2018 Route 90 Improvements Study

This project will build on the recommendations of the 2012 Transportation Planning Study to create a preliminary design. A preliminary design will include:

Three travel lanes in each direction on Route 90
Modifications to the St. James bridges and ramp structures
Modifications to the Portage Avenue and Academy Road interchanges/intersections
Improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users
Development of staging plans for the eventual construction of the corridor that ensures two lanes of traffic will be maintained at all times in both directions

Key improvements will help address the needs of current and future traffic, new developments, pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, as well as the surrounding communities.

Improvements include:

	Roadway improvements for better traffic flow
	Safety improvements to reduce collisions and provide safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists
	Walk bike improvements to support pedestrians and cyclists
	Place-making improvements such as landscaping, green spaces and public art
	Forward-thinking improvements to accommodate future development