Major Winnipeg Intersection Now Includes Street-Level Crossings and Enhanced Safety Features

WINNIPEG, MB – One of Canada’s most iconic intersections, Portage Avenue and Main Street, is now open to pedestrian traffic for the first time in over four decades. In a historic shift, pedestrians can once again cross the intersection at street level—an access that has been restricted since 1979.

With the change, both pedestrians and drivers are being reminded to navigate the newly redesigned crossing with care.

What Pedestrians Will Notice

For travelers from Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario visiting Winnipeg, expect a safer and more accessible experience at this busy downtown junction:

• Curb ramps have replaced barricades, making the crossing accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

• Audible pedestrian signals accompany the traditional walk signs, offering vital cues for those with visual impairments.

• A pedestrian countdown timer shows how many seconds remain to safely cross.

• A five-second head start—called a leading pedestrian interval—gives pedestrians time to enter the intersection before vehicles get a green light.

The sidewalk design channels foot traffic to the designated crossing zones, helping improve safety and traffic flow.

What Drivers Need to Know

Drivers—especially those unfamiliar with downtown Winnipeg—should take note of the intersection’s new layout:

• No right turns from northbound Main Street onto Portage Avenue East. This measure gives more sidewalk space to pedestrians and enhances visibility.

• Three left-turn lanes are now available from Portage Avenue onto northbound Main Street.

• Only one right-turn lane now feeds into southbound Main Street from Portage Avenue.

• New transit stops in the area—part of the Primary Transit Network—mean more bus traffic, so drivers should stay alert for public transit vehicles.

Safety is a Shared Responsibility

With the reintroduction of pedestrian access to Portage and Main, the city is encouraging heightened awareness for everyone using the intersection. Whether walking or driving, paying attention to signals and signage is essential for a smooth and safe crossing experience.