Help reopen The Forks Historic Rail Bridge
The popular Historic Rail Bridge that connects the south end of The Forks to Niizhoziibean has been closed since 2023 for safety reasons.
For years, the bridge was an easy way for people to cross the Assiniboine River on their way to visit Niizhoziibean to attend a ceremony, reflect on the public art, or just go for a walk. Thousands more used the bridge for a great view of the Assiniboine River flowing into the Red River on its way north, and as an all-season link in the city's active transportation system.
It was closed after pieces of concrete began to fall from the structure. Engineering studies revealed the huge counterweight (part of the old mechanism that once rasied the bridge for boat traffic) had to be removed, and the steel structure and decking needed repair.
We know that you — the community — want the bridge reopened. We're often asked when you'll be able to use the bridge again.
The counterweight is now gone, which was the first step in revitalizing this beloved bridge. Now, all that's left to do is repair the structure and decking — and we invite you to help.
Connecting Niizhoziibean
Education is the New Bison, by Val T. Vint (2020)
The bridge is the only public access to Niizhoziibean from The Forks. Niizhoziibean is a significant Indigenous historic site and ancient gathering place that has been developed with the participation of local Indigenous communities and community philanthropists to include public art installations, contemplation areas, and Winnipeg's first contemporary permanent wiigiwaam.
But the bridge isn't just something to cross. It provides an amazing view of the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. Crossing the bridge gives you the opportunity to watch the water flow, the ice melt, the birds float with the current and sometimes, a muskrat or beaver swim by.
Rehabilitating and Restoring a Vital Link
Finished in 1914, The Forks Historic Rail Bridge was built as part of a railway line that was abandoned many years ago. When The Forks was established in 1987, the bridge became part of an active transportation loop connecting The Forks and St. Boniface.
The bridge's centre span allowed boats to pass below it by lifting it with a concrete counterweight. The counterweight's deterioration, coupled with the poor condition of the wooden bridge deck and structural supports, led to the bridge's closure.
Rehabilitating the bridge will restore it to the community as a much-loved and used active transportation route, while also reconnecting Niizhoziibean, where all people can come to honour Indigenous heritage.
The bridge is well-loved as a place to watch the rivers pass by.
Building Connections and Bridging Communities
An aerial view of Niizhoziibean shows The Forks Port and the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. The bridge is an important link in The Forks - St. Boniface loop.
This project will rebuild a connection between The Forks and St. Boniface, Osborne Village and many other neighbourhoods. It will also allow the reopening of the popular pedestrian The Forks-St. Boniface loop.
The bridge is an all-season link that has been dearly missed since it was closed in 2023.
Connecting our River City
Winnipeg is a river city and a bridge city. Our rivers connect us through their timeless beauty and our bridges offer boundless opportunities to explore the city in unique ways.
Together, we can reopen this connection.
With cost estimates in hand, The Forks Foundation is asking potential investors - including governments, corporations, and individuals - to refurbish this beloved bridge and make it accessible for all once again.
Please help build this vital connection point that brings the city together.
The Forks Foundation
130-123 Main St. (inside Union Station)
Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1A3