Abstract Manager

Dillon was retained by the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association (HGTTA) to investigate the feasibility of a direct, grade separated active transportation (AT) crossing between the Grand Trunk Trail in the Rural Municipality of Headingley (RMH) and the Harte Trail in Winnipeg. These trails are key corridors along the TransCanada Trail and are separated by Winnipeg’s west perimeter highway (PTH 100). This study supports efforts by the HGTTA to lobby City and Provincial governments to include this crossing in a future budget as a capital infrastructure investment.

Both trails are popular recreational destinations, and the Harte Trail acts as a commuter corridor, with direct access to many destinations in Winnipeg. Due to the 5.7 km detour length between the trails, uncontrolled at-grade highway crossings are common and an immediate safety risk. Addressing this hazard was the primary motivation for the HGTTA to undertake this study. Further, the frequency of unsafe crossings is expected to increase as neighbouring communities on either side of the highway continue to develop. Establishing a safe link for pedestrians and cyclists would eliminate dangerous unprotected crossings, increase active transportation use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to healthier communities, and improve inter-regional connections.

Funding was provided by the federal Active Transportation Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) which has the purpose of supporting the expansion and enhancement of AT infrastructure and modal shift away from personal vehicle use, while supporting the goals of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan. Dillon worked with the HGTTA prior to being awarded the contract to prepare the successful application to ATIF.

This study reviewed background information including planning studies, utility data and AT academic research. Technical and political stakeholder engagement meetings were conducted with provincial departments, the City of Winnipeg, RMH, local cycling advocacy groups, City councillors of wards adjacent to the project area, and provincial deputy ministers. Technology including drone videography and 3D renderings using Revit were developed to facilitate engagement with these non-technical stakeholders. Two functional design alternatives were presented including bridge and underpass options. The design phase was multi-disciplinary, requiring expertise in accessibility, utility coordination, structural design, construction staging, drainage, aesthetics, consideration for public art, and crime prevention through environmental design.

A qualitative assessment tool was developed based on input from stakeholder engagement meetings. Dillon presented an evaluation for each crossing alternative and presented the client with a recommendation for future work to advance the project towards the detailed design phase.