Construction FAQs: Fort Garry campus road and infrastructure projects

If you have been on campus lately, you may have noticed that some of our infrastructure is receiving significant, and necessary, reconstruction. Most of these projects are part of the Fort Garry campus road renewal program, water main upgrade program, storm sewer upgrades and riverbank stabilization.

These projects improve the campus in many ways such as better traffic management as well as increased pedestrian and cyclist safety, all while enhancing our capacity to handle flood conditions.

However, with increased construction, there can also be confusion and delays when moving through the campus. Road and lane closures are carefully planned to facilitate construction and reduce the impact on the campus as much as possible.

UPDATE:

All road projects, including University Cres./Dafoe Rd. Intersection, are continuing to make progress.

The weather has had an impact on the projected timelines. Please note that these are projected timelines that may change; updates will be provided as possible.

The following are FAQs regarding ongoing road construction at the Fort Garry campus.

How will my commute be affected? 

A. These projects may currently affect your commute:

University Cres. at Dysart Rd.

• The City of Winnipeg installed new traffic lights at this intersection as part of the Southwest Rapid Transit project. The City is monitoring traffic to ensure the lights are timed for best traffic flow.
• The lane reconfiguration required for the new traffic lights at the intersection is now complete. Southbound University Cres. will be down to one lane before the light until the intersection is reconstructed in 2021/22, when two lanes of southbound traffic will be re-introduced. 
• South-Eastbound traffic onto Dysart had been reduced to one lane during the construction of the lane reconfiguration, causing traffic congestion. South-Eastbound traffic onto Dysart has returned to two lanes.

Dafoe Rd. at University Cres. 

• With increased transit traffic, the roadway required complete reconstruction. The project started in May, with construction projected to last until late October. 
• Barring any unforeseen weather delays, the intersection of University Crescent and Dafoe Road will be open to traffic in the first week of November. UPDATE: The intersection is expected to open in mid-November.

Alumni Lane at Freedman Cres. (Outfall No. 2, riverbank stabilization project)

• Access to Alumni Lane via Freedman Cres. will be restricted from late October to mid-November.
• During this time, occasional lane closures can be expected eastbound Freedman Cres. Flaggers will be on-site and signage will be posted to help direct traffic.

Why is construction occurring in fall instead of summer?

 A: Construction preparation started in May 2019. All efforts are made to mitigate duration of the construction and impacts to the campus community.

Construction sequencing and lane closures were implemented to expedite the construction. Delays due to unseasonable weather have impacted the schedule.

What’s the best way to enter and exit campus during construction?

A: When planning your trip to or from campus, try to avoid peak hours (8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.). Consider using identified drop off and pick up locations throughout campus. Signage has been installed to identify these locations. When possible, carpool or consider taking the bus. 

Is there a map? Where can I find the most current version?

A:Yes! Here is the map. A current map is always included on the University’s Service Disruptions webpage and in the UM Today story.

For more information regarding traffic restrictions as a result of these renewal projects, please refer to the UM Today story.