Drivers can now make full use of the Disraeli Bridges in Winnipeg following two years of construction work.
Deemed the largest bridge project in Winnipeg history, it cost $195 million for construction.
Government officials announced the official opening of the bridge project Friday.
“Rebuilding the Disraeli was a mammoth undertaking, completed on time and on budget,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “With the addition of a bike and pedestrian bridge to be completed next year, the new Disraeli Bridges will move traffic more smoothly and safely than ever before.”
Mayor Sam Katz and Federal Minister of State (Transport) Steven Fletcher were also on hand at the event.
Work started on the bridge project in January 2010 and was financed through a public-private partnership, with $18.3 million also provided from the federal government through the Gas Tax Fund.
Among its features, the bridge project includes new structures crossing the Red River and Canadian Pacific mainline, along with two kilometres of new roads for the Disraeli Freeway, between Main Street and Hespeler Avenue.
Construction on the separate active transportation bridge over the Red River is now underway and is expected to open next fall.
