Motorists can expect a change in their commute on Route 62 as construction to improve the St. Vital Bridge and surrounding roadways begins this week.

At 11:17 a.m. this morning, the City of Winnipeg announced Osborne St./Dunkirk Dr., from Jubilee Ave. to the south of the Kingston Row access roads would be reduced to one lane in each direction.

These closures will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1.

"During this first phase of work, we will be working on the southbound portion of the bridge structure," says the news release. "Pedestrian access will be maintained only on the east side of the bridge."

The goal of the St. Vital Bridge Rehabilitation project is to improve traffic, pedestrian, and cyclist experience, and community look and feel on and around the bridge.

The project includes:

  • New bridge surface to extend the bridge’s lifespan by 50 years
  • A new, widened multi-use pathway on each side of the bridge
  • Improvements to the pedestrian tunnel under the bridge
  • 1,450 metres of new multi-use pathways and sidewalks through the adjacent community
  • Better traffic flow and safer crossings at nearby intersections
  • Enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections
  • New trees and landscaping

Overall, the project will cost approximately $52 million and is set to be completed around October 2024.

During construction, Dunkirk Dr. will become Designated Construction Zone (DCZ) and the speed will be reduced to 50 km/h. Partnering with the lane reduction, motorists should expect significant delays and should consider alternate routes such as St. Mary's Rd. or Pembina Hwy.

Upon completion of the project, the speed limit on Dunkirk Dr. from Clare Ave. to Glenview Ave. will be reduced to 60 km/h, rather than the current 70 km/h.

For more information about the St. Vital Bridge Rehabilitation project, visit the City of Winnipeg website.