New details emerging about plan to widen Kenaston Boulevard

Work to widen Route 90 could begin in 2027, according to a new city report. CTV’s Jeff Keele has more.

Winnipeg’s Kenaston Boulevard is used by thousands of motorists every day, and often, they’re stuck in traffic.

New details are now emerging about a $757 million plan to widen the road between Ness and Taylor avenues.

A new report is recommending the project be considered in the city’s budget process and begin no later than 2027.

It also recommends $5 million be set aside so the city can start buying property in 2026.

The report says having the funds in place will make it easier to relocate homeowners before shovels hit the ground.

“I certainly support what the staff is recommending here to move ahead and put some money in the budget, for example, for acquisition of land,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

Gillingham, who campaigned on getting this done, said the project is necessary to accommodate trade, as well as the 78,000 vehicles that travel this stretch per day and the new development coming at the former Kapyong Barracks known as Naawi-Oodena.

“This is not a nice-to-have project; this project has got to be done for the reasons I’ve explained,” he said.

However, the price tag for the project is as heavy as the traffic on Route 90.

A new cost estimate pegs it at $757 million—$20 million more than a 2024 estimate.

That total includes the widening, sewer work, and refurbishment of the St. James bridges.

The report says if the work doesn’t start by 2027, the city will still have to fix the bridges, which are in need of repair.

“The report indicates that it can be done in pieces, but it would cost more if we just had the money for the bridge,” said Coun. Janice Lukes.

The report outlines annual costs for the project until 2033.

To pay for this upgrade, the mayor said the city will need help from the province and the federal government.

The report estimates funds from the other levels of government could total $350 million if the cost was shared.