Construction on the Sturgeon Road bridge replacement is expected to be complete by October 2013, city officials said last week.

The northbound portion of the replacement is expected to be complete with traffic being transferred onto the new span in January, said Darren Burmey, bridge projects engineer for the city’s public works department.

The southbound portion will be demolished over the winter, with construction of the new span beginning in spring, he said.

"The contractor is in control of the schedule and has a completion date of October 2013. He’s controlling it well," Burmey told Canstar News.

During the next several weeks, crews will erect a heated containment over the bridge to continue work during the colder weather.

"Just in case anyone is curious about what that’s about," Burmey said.

Meanwhile, the project is on track to meet its $15.2-million budget, Burmey said.

Unveiled at an open house in February 2011, the project was initially pegged at $13 million and slated to be complete in November 2012.

The city is still negotiating the purchase of a piece of land at Sturgeon Road and Portage Avenue (a former Esso gas station) to accommodate two turning lanes onto westbound Portage.

Traffic on the bridge, which was built in 1965, is expected to increase by 22% by 2030.

The bridge’s concrete and steel has deteriorated significantly during the last 45 years, according to the city. A 1980s study recommended the bridge be replaced and imposed weight restrictions on it that remain in effect. Minor repairs to the bridge were completed in the 1990s to extend its life.

 

The replacement will accommodate a new active transportation pathway under the bridge.
More information about bus stop relocations and traffic and pedestrian flow will be posted in coming weeks at www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/Sturgeon.