Portage, Arlington re-open, Selkirk Avenue closed after eventful night on Winnipeg streets

An eventful night on the streets led to several closures, starting Wednesday.

Osborne Bridge closed due to a medical emergency at about 6:30 p.m. but was cleared a while later.

All four lanes of eastbound Portage Avenue were closed off at Kenaston Boulevard Wednesday night at about 11:30, but re-opened before the morning rush.

Traffic was being re-routed onto the off ramp to southbound Route 90.

Police said they were investigating a “serious motor vehicle collision.” Close to two dozen evidence markers could be seen on the road by the bus stop in front of the Viscount Gort hotel.

Police also were present on Arlington Street and College Avenue due to a fire, which closed the street in both directions between Mountain and Redwood avenues. College Avenue was also closed between Parr and Sinclair streets.

The City said the fire broke out at about 5:30 a.m. in a vacant home in the 1600 block of Arlington Street and the house suffered “significant smoke, fire and water damage.” The fire was under control by 6:08 a.m.

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Down the road Selkirk Avenue was closed in both directions, blocked off by police due to a fire, between Parr Street and McKenzie Streets. Videographer Rudi Pawlychyn was on scene and said the fire was at 708 Selkirk Ave. and appeared to be rubble from a previous fire, that was on fire again.

The City confirmed the fire was a debris fire and said it broke out at 7:03 a.m.

“WFPS crews determined the fire was threatening a nearby home but confirmed it had not extended. Efforts were put in place to protect the home as crews worked to extinguish the fire. It was declared under control at 7:22 a.m.,” said a spokesperson for the WFPS.