Disraeli Plans Disappointing

North Kildonan Councillor Jeff Browaty was disappointed with revised conceptual design plans for the Disraeli Freeway Rehabilitation that were released today. While there have been a few minor improvements from earlier designs, the proposal still only has 4 vehicular lanes and will still likely result in a 16-month closure of the entire structure.

“I am thoroughly disappointed that this proposal doesn’t eliminate the 16-month closure,” explained Councillor Browaty. “We have an opportunity here to build for the future with a 6-lane structure, but the lack of provincial funding leaves us with no option.”

Unlike the Kenaston Underpass, Charleswood Parkway and the 18^th Street Bridge in Brandon, the Disraeli rehabilitation has no direct provincial funding. With the recommended option costing $140 million, the project is the single largest road/bridge project adopted in the current 5-year Capital Budget.

“We can’t wait for the province to come to the table before commencing work on the Disraeli,” Browaty stressed. “The tragedies in Minneapolis and Laval, Quebec show us what happens if you ignore infrastructure.”

The report also calls for incentives for the winning bidders to find ways to complete the work faster or to keep the structure partially open during construction but attached no dollar amounts to it.

“The replacement I-35 bridge in Minneapolis was designed, built and opened in just over 13 months after the tragic collapse,” Browaty said. “The contractor is eligible for over $20 million in bonuses for completing the work 100 days early. I will be pushing our administration on Tuesday to ensure there are adequate incentives to see the rehabilitation done quickly.”