Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverman
Why is that Winnipeg has such an aversion to build limited access roads or expressways?
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I think there are a few reasons. First, there's the cost argument. People mention that places like Calgary and Fargo can afford them, so why not here? Fargo's freeways are paid for by the federal government, cause they are part of the interstate system; Calgary, as a newer city, doesn't have the maintenance costs of fixing older infrastructure like we do here.
Secondly, because of Winnipeg's history (older city, amalgamation), there are actually very few roadways that could be converted into limited access expressways. Look at all the routes leading into downtown: Portage, Provencher, Notre Dame, St. Mary's, Henderson, Marion, Main, etc. All of these routes are major streets with countless cross-streets and lined with retail.
Realistically, the only streets that could be converted would be Bishop/Kenaston (only part of it, I might add), Plessis in the future, Parts or Lag, Chief Peguis, and Moray... As it stands, other than Kenaston, none of these routes (outside rushhour) necessitate grade separation - especially since none of them lead in/out of the core.
Look at Toronto, which you bring up as your dream location. Very little in the way of expressway infrastructure (unless you're commuting from the outskirts of the GTA). The freeways in the city are at a standstill for rushhour in both directions (especially the DVP). And, if you live anywhere near the centre of TO (say Yonge/Eglinton), you would actually have no use for those freeways to get around within the city... There's no question that as Winnipeg approaches 1M people, our streets will get more congested and traffic woes will increase. The way to address that will be rapid transit leading in and out of the core, and higher densities along established corridors, not freeways. And, as much as I love cruising the Deerfoot when I'm in Calgary, I find that at certain times of the day, you might have to wait 3 or 4 lights to make a left turn out of some of the other trails. You never see that hear in Winnipeg. Overall, it's pretty easy to get around our city (time-wise)...