Perimeter Highway | Winnipeg

[cheswick]

Originally Posted by original

"Catch up" is exactly what this is. Why do we have such bad infrastructure here? Can anyone give me a simple explanation? I know we had some flooding issues that apparently sucked up a large chunk of infrastructure money, but seriously... our roads are a joke.

I got the privilege to drive along Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton last week. That is one hell of a drive. Then I came back home and realized how bad things really are. The more time I spend away in other cities, the more I realize how terrible our infrastructure really is.

Next time you should take a drive in Montreal.

[Riverman]

Originally Posted by original

Why do we have such bad infrastructure here? Can anyone give me a simple explanation?

Yes, absolutely. For the past 15 years this government has been singularly focused on growing the civil service. Infrastructure has been the absolute lowest priority as infrastructure spending does nothing for the MGEU.

[original]

Originally Posted by cheswick

Next time you should take a drive in Montreal.

What does that mean? I've never been to Montreal.
From Google Maps I see they at least have grade separation on most major roadways.

[Riverman]

Originally Posted by original

What does that mean? I've never been to Montreal.
From Google Maps I see they at least have grade separation on most major roadways.

Roads, bridges in Montreal are in rough shape there too. But to compare Winnipeg's infrastructure deficit with Montreal's is ludicrous. They at least have the roads of a real city.

[leftimage]

Originally Posted by original

What does that mean? I've never been to Montreal.
From Google Maps I see they at least have grade separation on most major roadways.

I think what he means is our roadways are shit. Although there's no debating the complexity of Montreal's road network, most people will agree it doesn't make for a pleasant drive when you consider the state of disrepair & the neverending road closures,detours, etc.

But tbh it has gotten much better in recent years, so If Winnie's roads are as bad you claim, they may very well be worse than Montreal's at this point.

[bomberjet]

Remember the tunnel portal that collapsed in Montreal a couple years ago. More of that could happen at any second. But they do have, well, tunnels and freeways.

[steveosnyder]

Originally Posted by Riverman

Roads, bridges in Montreal are in rough shape there too. But to compare Winnipeg's infrastructure deficit with Montreal's is ludicrous. They at least have the roads of a real city.

Rawr -- "Real" roads...



https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-brandon/3092346832/

[Only The Lonely..]

Originally Posted by cheswick

Next time you should take a drive in Montreal.

Montreal is definitely crumbling.

I was there in March, and can safely say that some of those freeway flyovers didn't inspire a lot of confidence when driving under them.

[Reignman]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

I'm going to make an assumption they will be interchanges. Otherwise, what's the point really?

I would think a simple flyover for inbound city traffic via the bypasses should suffice..

[The Jabroni]

Originally Posted by Only The Lonely..

Montreal is definitely crumbling.

I was there in March, and can safely say that some of those freeway flyovers didn't inspire a lot of confidence when driving under them.

That bridge collapse from a few years ago, ain't comforting to think about either, and I'm heading over there next month... by car.

[jmt18325]

Originally Posted by Riverman

Yes, absolutely. For the past 15 years this government has been singularly focused on growing the civil service. Infrastructure has been the absolute lowest priority as infrastructure spending does nothing for the MGEU.

They've increased infrastructure spending by over 200% above what it was. They may have taken a while to start (8 years), but since then they've spent a lot of money on infrastructure, and have actually started addressing the issues. Sure, it's time for a change, but credit where credit is due.

[Riverman]

Pure pandering is what you are referring to. What has been built lately? The Centreport road to nowhere? What else?

[jmt18325]

They've brought provincial highways back from the point of where they were almost undriveable. They now often have paved shoulders and smooth surfaces where before that wasn't the case. The big projects are taking more time than I'd like for sure, but the money has been flowing, increasing from just $150M in 2005 to near $600M now.

[Riverman]

Repaving roads - what every other government does without announcement, without fanfare.

Pffft.

[jmt18325]

Every government does that with fanfare. It isn't just about replacement, it's about a mass investment to bring our roads up to par. Now that the ground work is done, it seems they're moving on to the bigger stuff. Better late than never I suppose.

[cheswick]

Originally Posted by original

What does that mean? I've never been to Montreal.
From Google Maps I see they at least have grade separation on most major roadways.

I thought you were more referring to the state of repair of the infrastructure as opposed to the type of it. Certainly Montreal has superior "types" of roads, but it also 3.8MM people living in a smaller area than the size of Winnipeg so it's density is greater than 5 times that of Winnipeg.

I was referring to the upkeep of the infrastructure there. The aforementioned bridge troubles. There have been several huge sink holes on ste catherines downtown, one swallowing a backhoe when they were starting to repair it. The city is finally going to properly repair the street now. I think 24 structures in the city was deemed to be in critical need of repair. Trust me, Montreal infrastruture if in worse condition than Winnipeg

And if you think Winnipeg projects get delayed. Take a look at this beauty. A ramp by the airport that has remained half finished for years. Literally a bridge to nowhere.
"Only in Quebec: Four-year project six years behind schedule"
http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/only-in-q...dule-1.1403091

My point is so many people complain about Winnipeg and it's infrastructure, as if it's a Winnipeg only issue, like Winnipeg is the only city with potholes. These issues happen all over the place and Winnipeg is not the worst of the lot. I think the biggest issue with Winnipeg is its far too spread out. Too much road per person to maintain.

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by Reignman

I would think a simple flyover for inbound city traffic via the bypasses should suffice..

Can we include a couple of toll booths for that inbound city traffic? It would include a once a month exemption for any out of province plates.

[yellowghost]

Originally Posted by CoryB

Can we include a couple of toll booths for that inbound city traffic? It would include a once a month exemption for any out of province plates.

Big supporter of toll freeways but only if the fares don't negate the savings of using it. Say..if it was a two dollar fare one way. If one lives in the suburbs but works on the opposite end of town, you should easily get the money back in the form of gas savings. But more importantly would be the savings in leisure time, which I consider priceless. Now if you live in transcona and work in saint boniface, you wouldnt save as much time or money.

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by Riverman

Yes, absolutely. For the past 15 years this government has been singularly focused on growing the civil service. Infrastructure has been the absolute lowest priority as infrastructure spending does nothing for the MGEU.

Ask anyone who works at the MB govt.'s crown corp.'s how many positions they've added to bloat the payrolls!

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by jmt18325

Every government does that with fanfare. It isn't just about replacement, it's about a mass investment to bring our roads up to par. Now that the ground work is done, it seems they're moving on to the bigger stuff. Better late than never I suppose.

SpeNDP have been in power since 1999 but it takes until 2014 until they finally realize a need to spend on infrastructure.