After two years of studies, technical reviews, and community consultations the master plan for transportation in Winnipeg and the surrounding area is done.
The Partnership of the Manitoba Capital Region unveiled their Capital Regional Transportation Master Plan Monday, to guide infrastructure plans for the next 25 years.
The group looked ahead and by 2033 the population of Winnipeg is expected to grow by 200,000. The recommendations in the report are part of planning for that future population.
The PMCR wants to attract families and investors to Winnipeg and the surrounding area. The new plan aims to connect people and resources with smart infrastructure planning.
"A centralized long-term transportation plan promotes greater transportation efficiency and smart, sustainable development,” said Colleen Sklar, PMCR Executive Director.
The strategy encourages development design to accommodate bikers, walkers, and transit users on top of paving the way for vehicles.
The report calls for up to 15 new interchanges to be built, mostly in the Winnipeg area, to alleviate congestion and improve safety. It recommends Manitoba twin highways or construct additional lanes on key routes to mitigate areas of existing and future congestion, including along Highway 6, the Winnipeg-Selkirk corridor and Highway 59 past Ile-des-Chenes.
The plan emphasizes making changes to boost economic growth. Imports and exports moving smoothly from place to place will help strengthen Manitoba’s economy. Recommendations include encouraging commercial and industrial development that requires air service to locate near airports. It also says to restrict residential development near airports.
Representatives from the province, the city, the PMCR, and regional transportation partners will work together to set the new plan in motion.
