Winnipeggers can continue to drive over the Disraeli Bridge during construction in 2011. (CBC)

Winnipeggers can continue to drive over the Disraeli Bridge during construction in 2011, the city said Monday.

The proposed plan to replace the two bridge spans is expected to cause minimal disruption to motorists, the city said. It will also see construction of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Red River beside a new traffic bridge.

“This was the highest scoring proposal and the best value for money choice in terms of costs and benefits,” said Henry Hunter, the City of Winnipeg’s procurement manager for the Disraeli Bridges Project.

Key features of the estimated $195-million project include:

• Traffic along the Disraeli will not be interrupted during peak travel times Mondays to Fridays, with a minimum of four travel lanes being available.
• The existing bridges will be replaced with new structures.
• The roadway will be realigned, and exits and entrances will be redesigned to allow for smoother traffic and pedestrian flow.

A group of engineering and construction firms are partnering in the project: PCL Constructors Canada Inc., Wardrop Engineering Inc., Stantec Consulting Ltd. and Borland Construction Inc.

The Disraeli Bridges were originally built in 1959-1960.