Winnipeg unveils $157M roadwork plan for busy 2026 construction season
Posted May 9, 2026 1:23 pm.
Last Updated May 10, 2026 11:15 am.
The City of Winnipeg is preparing for another extensive construction season, unveiling nearly $157 million in planned roadwork projects across the city for 2026.
From major commuter routes to residential streets, crews are expected to work on approximately 175 lane kilometres of roads, 50 sidewalk locations and 15 kilometres of bike lanes and active transportation pathways as part of the city’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
Mayor Scott Gillingham said the work represents only part of a broader investment in Winnipeg’s transportation network.
“Crews will be working on approximately 175 lane kilometres of roads, 50 sidewalk locations, and 15 kilometres of bike lanes and active transportation pathways, and this is part of something even bigger,” said Gillingham. “Our six-year capital plan includes more than $1.1 billion for road renewal.”
Major projects planned for the 2026 season include rehabilitation work on downtown routes such as Edmonton Street, Kennedy Street and St. Mary Avenue. The city will also renew sections of St. Mary’s Road between the South Perimeter Highway and the Floodway, while work continues on the Lagimodière Twin Overpass rehabilitation project.
Long-term infrastructure projects are also moving forward, including early work tied to the future demolition of the Arlington Bridge.
“One of the most visible is the beginning of the work on the Arlington Bridge,” Gillingham said. “We’re moving towards demolition of that bridge in conversations with the rail line as well, so that is an active project that is happening as we speak.”
While city officials say the upgrades are necessary, some business owners are already expressing concerns about the impact prolonged construction could have on customers and parking access.
Luke Nolan, owner of Haberdashery Guys & Girls on South Osborne near Jubilee Avenue, said businesses in the area have already dealt with years of nearby infrastructure work.
“They had just finished redoing the whole road here and it was under construction for many years, and then they had the bridge that was under construction for basically another two years,” Nolan said. “So it will affect parking quite a bit, and that’s precious to us as store owners.”
Gillingham said the city is aware of those concerns and will work to minimize disruptions wherever possible.
“Our staff will be and should be doing all they can to mitigate the timeline of the work that’s being done, to get the projects staged and completed as soon as possible, to reduce and mitigate the impact on businesses,” he said.
The city says nearly all scheduled projects have already been tendered and have either begun or are expected to start in the coming weeks.
The 2026 construction season is expected to be one of Winnipeg’s busiest in recent years as the city pushes ahead with long-term road renewal and transportation infrastructure upgrades.
