Table of Contents
Transforming Edmonton’s Transit Landscape
The City of Edmonton is taking bold steps this summer to enhance its public transit system with the Valley Line LRT project. As the city enters the second phase of its accelerated roadwork, the focus is on completing the 14-kilometre extension from the downtown core to the west end.
This ambitious initiative aims to improve transit efficiency and reduce construction timelines significantly.
Strategic Road Closures for Faster Progress
To expedite the construction process, select intersections will be fully closed, allowing Marigold Infrastructure Partners to work at double the speed compared to previous estimates.
Starting next week, Stony Plain Road and 139 Street will be completely shut down for approximately nine weeks. Additionally, partial closures will occur at Stony Plain Road and 142 Street, while work on 95 Avenue and 156 Street will commence once the Stony Plain Road project is completed.
City officials acknowledge the disruption caused by these closures but emphasize the long-term benefits for commuters, residents, and local businesses. Brian Latte, the Valley Line West Director, expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during this critical construction period.
Progress and Future Plans
As Phase 2 unfolds, the city anticipates wrapping up some construction in intersections from Phase 1. Notably, the intersection at Stony Plain Road and 124 Street is set to reopen next week after a seven-week closure.
Marigold’s construction manager, Jonathan Cox, highlighted the positive impact of favorable conditions on the project’s timeline.
Looking ahead, the city and Marigold Infrastructure Partners are considering adopting similar strategies for future projects, aiming to minimize traffic disruptions while maximizing efficiency.
The ongoing work along the 104 Avenue corridor will continue throughout all three phases of the project.
Long-Term Vision for Edmonton’s Transit
With major construction beginning in 2021, the Valley Line LRT is already over 40% complete, with projections indicating that 60% of the project will be finished by the end of the year. The entire west leg of the Valley Line is expected to be operational by 2028, marking a significant milestone in Edmonton’s transit evolution.
This public-private partnership involves a collaboration between Marigold Infrastructure Partners, French civil engineering firm Colas, and American technology-focused firm Parsons. The project will feature 46 low-floor train cars supplied by Hyundai Rotem Company, ensuring a modern and efficient transit experience for all users.
