A new active transportation path linking southeast Winnipeg to downtown is now officially open.

On Monday, Councillor Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works, and Councillor Brian Mayes, St. Vital Ward, officially opened the pedestrian-cyclist underpass beneath Fermor Avenue.

Located between St. Anne’s Road and Archibald Street, the underpass connects Niakwa Trail to Des Meurons Street and effectively links southeast Winnipeg to Downtown, and provides a safer, more comfortable experience for cyclists and pedestrians, the City of Winnipeg says in a release.

“I’m pleased that with the opening of the pedestrian and cycling underpass, we’re able to provide residents with increased connectivity to and from key destinations,” says Councillor Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “This route will also provide connectivity to many neighbourhoods, recreational paths, schools, and parks in the area.”

“This is excellent news for the residents of St. Vital, as this north-south pedestrian and cycling underpass connects the Niakwa Trail south of Fermor with Des Meurons Street to the north,” says Councillor Brian Mayes, St. Vital Ward. 

“This tunnel will really help the many seniors and tenants who live in the Niakwa and Morrow area south of Fermor easily access the stores and the St Vital outdoor pool on the north side of Fermor.”

The underpass separates pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicle traffic, and the straight and gently sloped path with clear sightlines from both sides of the underpass increases visibility and accessibility for users. Lighting for day-time and night-time illumination was also installed in the underpass and along the connecting pathways for increased safety.

Funded from the Regional Streets Renewal Program and the Waterways Crossings and Grade Separations Program, the overall Fermor Avenue Reconstruction project cost is $29.6 million. The cost of the pedestrian and cycling underpass portion of the project is approximately $2.5 million.