Rail line bypass plan would make Winnipeg ‘major transportation hub’: Axworthy

For years, Winnipeg residents have called for moving railway traffic to the outskirts of the city. A new plan, spearheaded by former Winnipegger Lloyd Axworthy, could make Winnipeg a major transportation hub. The proposed rail line bypass would use Crown-owned land and the Manitoba Hydro corridor, taking 20 years to complete. It would eliminate 120 railway crossings and open up around 250 acres of land for development over time.

Axworthy, tasked with leading a feasibility study in October 2024, says the project could remove safety risks, free up land for development, and improve efficiency for trains hauling freight into Winnipeg. The bypass could also create a green corridor or a commuter route between Winnipeg and Gimli. Trains currently face slower speeds in the city due to their length, but a bypass would enable them to operate more efficiently.

Winnipeg could become a major transportation hub, especially with the north-south axis coming into play, according to Axworthy.