Connecting Communities:

Joining Charleswood to Headingley across the Perimeter Highway

Updated: 2024-10-07

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Imagine a safe and direct path connecting two popular trails, creating a seamless route for both commuters and leisure seekers. The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association (HGTTA) and the Friends of the Harte Trail (FHT) are on a mission to make this vision a reality. By establishing a grade-separated pedestrian and cyclist connection between the Harte Trail and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail, we aim to promote active transportation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance regional connectivity.

A Dangerous Divide:

Currently, pedestrians and cyclists face uncontrolled, at-grade crossings of Provincial Trunk Highway 100 (PTH 100) when trying to move between the Harte Trail and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail. This poses a significant safety concern, especially given that PTH 100 has a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour and sees heavy traffic due to its status as a major trade corridor. To ensure the safety of trail users and unlock the full potential of these two trails, a safe and direct connection is desperately needed.

The uncontrolled, at-grade highway crossings happening currently are a safety concern. This is more than an episodic occurrence as an AT count undertaken by City of Winnipeg in July 2024 counted 92 pedestrians (n=41) and cyclists (n=51) approaching the crossing and 28 of the cyclists continuing to cross on one 24 hour period (July 9/10). The amount of crossing increases on nice days and over weekends. The volume of AT users is expected to increase as the development in Headingley immediately west of PTH 100 (Forest Grove Estates) will add 86 single family units, 300 (55+ and condo) units and baseball diamonds over the next 5 years with the potential for over 700 single family dwellings over a 20-year period.

Benefits of the Connection:

Building a safe crossing at this location offers numerous benefits as Winnipeg and Headingley continue to grow with new housing, businesses, and parks. It will encourage people to walk and bike more, creating healthier communities and reducing pollution. This connection will also fill a gap in the Trans Canada Trail, providing safe access to Beaudry Provincial Park and linking Headingley to Winnipeg's Active Transportation network.

The Bridge vs. The Underpass:

A Functional Design Report (Phase I) completed in February 2023 with funding from Infrastructure Canada and the Active Transportation Fund explored two primary options for the connection: a bridge and an underpass. The bridge is estimated to cost $20.7 million and would need to accommodate the major trade corridor, PTH 100. Its length is projected to be 540 meters and 10 meters tall, with required ramps that would impact the neighborhood, starting at Dale Blvd. The bridge's high initial costs, size and future maintenance make it a less favorable option.

On the other hand, the underpass offers more flexibility in its design, with the ability to expand in the future as PTH 100's configuration changes, with 2 more lanes planned. The estimated initial cost of the underpass in 2023 was $6.2 million, with an additional $2.7 million needed for future expansion, updated in 2024 to $7.1M with the same widening costs. It has a lower impact on the neighborhood, as it doesn't obstruct sightlines with a 10-meter-tall structure being half a kilometer long. While it may require a pump house for water drainage, this ongoing cost is a small price to pay for the numerous advantages it offers.

Taking Action:

The Friends of the Harte Trail and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail have carefully considered the available information and passed joint motions in 2023 to proceed with the investigation of the underpass. The decision is based on the lower initial costs, lower neighborhood impact, and adaptability of the underpass.

In 2024, with funding from the TransCanada Trail, the Province of Manitoba (Minister of Environment and Climate Change), City of Winnipeg (Councillor Evan Duncan), the Rural Municipality of Headingley, Qualico (developer of Ridgewood West) and private donors, a further technical study was undertaken by Dillon Consulting to assess the impact to the local drainage network resulting from the proposed underpass crossing option, recommend mitigation measures (i.e. a new pumping station near the crossing location), and refine the Class D cost estimate accordingly.

Updated Class D capital estimates are: Underpass $7.1M (with $2.7M cost for future widening) and $20.7M for Overpass. An underpass would also have an estimated $20,000 annual operating cost.

Findings from the Phase II study will be presented to key stakeholders in Fall 2024. The trail associations will continue to work with these groups to advocate for a safe passage and seek opportunities to see it develop further. We’ll continue to keep this page up to date with current information.

Conclusion:

The Harte Trail and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail are not just two separate paths; they represent communities that could be connected, enhanced recreation, and the opportunity for a healthier, greener future. By supporting the effort to create a safe and direct connection between these trails, you can contribute to active transportation, reduce emissions, and promote healthier living. Let's advocate for the underpass and connect these two incredible trails. Together, we can make this connection a reality, and everyone will reap the benefits of a safer and more connected trail network.

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