Winnipeg Completes Steep Microtunnel to Replace Failed River Sewer Pipes
Erritt Construction completed a 1,148-foot microtunnel under Winnipeg’s Red River, replacing failed sewer lines with a new concrete sleeve and HDPE pipes. The drive involved steep grades and hard rock, costing C$26.6 million.
Key points
- The tunnel is 1,148 feet long, 8 feet wide, and features a 12 percent downgrade and 19.5 percent upgrade.
- The machine bored through rock rated at 36,000 psi, significantly harder than typical limestone.
- The project cost C$26.6 million, exceeding the initial C$18.6 million estimate due to delays.
- Two HDPE sewer pipes were installed inside a 7-foot concrete sleeve, allowing for future inspection and relining.
- The drive was completed on August 10, 2026, after starting in April 2026.
Background
Winnipeg had relied on a temporary bypass pipe on the Fort Garry Bridge for over two years after two sewer lines failed in late 2023, causing 60 million gallons of raw sewage to enter the Red River. This permanent replacement aims to resolve the crisis and allow the removal of the bypass.
Why it matters
This project demonstrates a viable method for emergency infrastructure repair under rivers without extensive surface excavation. The success of the steep, curved drive through hard rock offers a model for other cities facing similar infrastructure challenges.
What to watch
The city expects the new crossing to be fully in service, with the temporary bypass pipe to be removed subsequently. The project is complete as of August 10, 2026.
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