Construction season continues as snow flies in Winnipeg

Despite the arrival of snow in Winnipeg, roadwork continues in many parts of the city, and one expert says best practices and new technology are allowing roadwork to continue further into the colder months.

“This does not stop the construction season, however, it slows down the productivity of work,” said Mohamed Bassuoni, professor of civil engineering at the University of Manitoba.

“The science and engineering is always advancing.”

Motorists across Winnipeg continue to see the bright orange of construction signage against a snow-white backdrop and one civil engineering expert says such a sight could become more common in the coming years.

Professor Bassuoni, who has worked with the City on cold-weather concrete and construction research since 2016, says while warmer temperatures are ideal for the work, there have been major advancements in using the material in cold weather, even as cold as -20C. 

“I would say that -20C is an average temperature that could cover many periods. Because you don’t have every day in the winter -30, -35, but this casting down to -20C is something that covers a good period during the winter season,” said Bassuoni.  

A statement from the City of Winnipeg said projects will continue for the next few weeks before wrapping up for the season – even with the arrival of the snow – noting any projects set to carry over until next year will be made safe for travel during the winter.

The statement further explained it anticipates less than 10 per cent of the road projects started this year will need to be carried into the next construction season. However, which projects, won’t be known for several weeks. But Some motorists — expressed annoyance. 

Ray Bissonnette, with Nelson River Construction, contracted by the city to do road work behind the barricades, says the snow was not surprising, but with conditions worsening, drivers need to take extra care.

“Everybody wants to get home at the end of the day, and that’s the thing that gets me sometimes. Everything is fine when everything works out, you cut five minutes off, but how long would you be delayed if you had gotten into an accident, or you were pulled over by police for an infraction,” said Bissonnette.