Portage and main reopening costs are increasing

The cost of reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians is rising.

A new report at Winnipeg City Hall says the total budget is now $21.2 million, a jump of $8 million.

The report says only one company bid for the contract. The cost overrun is said to be due to the “unique” nature of the project, the rushed timeline to get it done, and “market conditions.”

The city wants the intersection’s opening to coincide with major changes to transit routes starting next July.

The report says that, if approved, the additional funding will come from street and sidewalk resurfacing budgets.

The Public Works Commission will vote on the new costs next week.