Portage and Main could re-open by fall 2019

The re-opening of Portage and Main has taken a step in the right direction.

In fact, it could happen as early as fall 2019.

That’s the goal set out by the city in a Request for Proposal asking for bids on the construction and design of the intersection.

Phase one would include the opening of the easternmost leg between the Richardson Building and the Bank of Montreal.

The project was initially approved in October 2017.

Council has already approved $1.5 million for engineering work, $500,000 for new sidewalks, $1.5 million to upgrade the underground concourse which brings the grand total to $3.5 million.

Opening Portage and Main was one of Brian Bowman’s platforms when he ran for mayor in 2014. Whoever wins the bidding process will be asked to submit a draft report by the end of October, right after this fall’s civic election.

A final report will be due to the city in December.