The city shut down the Jubilee overpass in Winnipeg for four months for major construction work beginning Sunday. Some drivers say they are concerned about potential traffic tie-ups while the work is underway.
According to city officials the overpass and approach roadways linking it to Pembina Highway and Jubilee Avenue will be closed.
The project is slated to cost $8.5 million and will include repairs to bridge supports, along with reconstruction of the overpass deck surface and construction of new bridge rails. The work is needed to improve safety and repair deterioration, said city officials.
Some Winnipeggers who spoke to CTV News expressed worries about delays by having to take alternate routes to get from Osborne Street to Pembina Highway.
Two options include going south of the overpass to drive across at Bishop Grandin Boulevard or driving north of the overpass to cross closer to the vicinity of Osborne Street and Pembina Highway.
One Jubilee Avenue business is also worried about a potential impact from the closure of the overpass.
"Naturally we're worried because we don't know exactly what's going to happen," said Roger Brisebois, manager of the Bridge Drive-In.
City officials said at least one lane of traffic along Jubilee Avenue will be open throughout construction, while at least two lanes of traffic will be open in both directions on Pembina Highway.
Brad Neirinck, a city bridge engineer, said officials may have to adjust the traffic signal time at Pembina Highway and Jubilee Avenue to improve traffic flow through the intersection during construction.
The Winnipeg Transit bus route 95 will be re-routed while construction is underway. More information is available on the Winnipeg Transit website.
Once construction is completed, the Jubilee overpass is scheduled to re-open in mid September.
More information on the project is available online on the city's website.
- with a report from CTV's Laura Lowe
