Portage and Main reopens to pedestrians, marking ‘historic moment’ for Winnipeg

After nearly 50 years, the iconic Portage and Main intersection in Winnipeg has officially reopened to pedestrians. The shrouds were removed from the brand new walk signals on Friday morning, marking a historic moment for the city. Mayor Scott Gillingham expressed his excitement, stating that the intersection has been central to Winnipeg’s history and will remain vital to the community’s future.

The intersection was closed to pedestrians in February 1979, redirecting them below ground through tunnels and a roundabout that linked to a subterranean shopping mall. Concrete ramparts were constructed at street level to block people from the corners. Despite public opinion polls consistently showing opposition to removing the barricades, council voted last year to reopen the intersection due to infrastructure issues and traffic delays.

Construction on the reopening took approximately eight months and came in under the budget of $21.27 million. The official reopening saw a stream of people crossing Main Street, with pedestrians expressing their excitement and relief at being able to cross the intersection above ground once again. People living with mobility issues also welcomed the change, as using the underground concourse was cumbersome and sometimes entirely inaccessible.

Not everyone was pleased with the changes, with concerns raised about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety. However, Mayor Gillingham dismissed these criticisms, stating that Winnipeggers cross thousands of intersections every day and can handle crossing Portage and Main. As part of the redesign, some lanes of traffic have been altered to accommodate pedestrian crossings.

The reopening of the Portage and Main intersection has been celebrated by many as a significant step towards revitalizing downtown Winnipeg. The intersection, often referred to as the crossroads of the country, holds a special place in the hearts of Winnipeggers and has been a gathering place for celebrations and protests. While the reopening is not a cure-all for the downtown area’s challenges, it is seen as a positive step towards creating a more people-friendly and vibrant urban space.

As the intersection reopens to pedestrians, businesses in the underground mall connected to the tunnels are reminding the public that they remain open and eager for support. While the focus on Friday was on the above-ground reopening, it is important to remember the continued presence and importance of Winnipeg Square and the businesses within it.

Overall, the reopening of the Portage and Main intersection represents a significant milestone in Winnipeg’s history and urban development. It is a momentous occasion that brings together past, present, and future, symbolizing progress and growth for the city and its residents.