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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

$30 million to be spent to help traffic flow in Polo Park area

By: Bartley Kives

Posted: 12/6/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 12/6/2012 1:47 PM | Updates

Southbound traffic on St. James Street at Ellice. Mayor Sam Katz says the city will commit to a $30-million upgrade to infrastructure in the Polo Park area to ease traffic congestion. (MIKE APORIUS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store

The City of Winnipeg plans to spend at least $30 million on traffic improvements in the Polo Park area, $10 million more than previously announced.

Mayor Sam Katz announced plans to top up the city's $20-million commitment to alleviate traffic congestion in Polo Park over the next two years.

The pending sale of the 10.6-hectare Canad Inns Stadium site will generate $20 million for the project. The remaining proceeds from the $30.25-million stadium sale will be spent on Investors Group Field, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' new home at the University of Manitoba, as well as recreation improvements at the university.

The stadium sale will close after the Winnipeg Football Club moves out, a move expected by the end of January. Cadillac Fairview and Shindico, who are purchasing the site, plan to develop the northwest corner into a Target store.

Katz said it will be up to council to find another $10 million for Polo Park traffic improvements, which could include an extension of St. Matthews Avenue, additional lanes at the intersection of St. James Street and Ellice Avenue or new turning and storage lanes on other streets.

Public works director Brad Sacher said $30 million can buy a lot of intersection improvements. But any work must be co-ordinated with new construction at the Canad Inns Stadium site to avoid causing traffic disruptions.

City council finance chairman Russ Wyatt (Transcona) and area councillor Scott Fielding (St. James-Brooklands) said they expect public works to finalize its plans during the spring of 2013 and conduct work through 2014.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 6, 2012 A5

History

Updated on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 11:07 AM CST: Updated

12:31 PM: adds that plans expected to be finalized in 2013

1:47 PM: adds photo

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