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LRT expansion plays a critical role in enhancing mobility and access for Edmontonians and will transform the way people live, work and play in the city for decades to come.
The following update is prepared twice per year to help City Council and Edmontonians stay informed on progress being made to advance LRT expansion and renewal across our city. It provides an overview of the current stage of each major LRT project, work completed so far this year, anticipated timelines for construction and operations, and current/upcoming work Edmontonians will see and experience over the coming months.
$1.8 billion
Valley Line Southeast will be an important addition to the City’s integrated transit network and will add approximately 13 kilometres of LRT from downtown to Mill Woods. Valley Line Southeast is the first low-floor LRT system in Edmonton. TransEd has substantially completed construction. In March 2023, TransEd began line-wide testing and system demonstration to identify potential issues or deficiencies so repairs can be made prior to opening. Before opening the line to passengers, TransEd must complete comprehensive testing and commissioning to ensure all aspects of the LRT system are safe and reliable.
City staff continue to actively monitor traffic patterns and pedestrian crossings during TransEd’s system demonstration testing phase. Where feasible, we are working with TransEd to adjust signal timings to improve flow and resolve issues. To date, we have implemented multiple rounds of traffic signal timing adjustments and pedestrian timing adjustments, and changes will continue to be made, where possible, in response to citizen feedback and field observations made by staff.
In June, during testing, TransEd identified signalling cables that need to be replaced to improve long-term system reliability. Replacing the cables during the testing phase, rather than during the operational phase, will allow TransEd to operate the line with more reliability once it opens, while also reducing future operational impacts. The replacement work is being done at TransEd’s expense and train testing will continue concurrently. Once testing concludes, TransEd will submit the required documentation for review by the independent certifier needed for service commencement. The City and TransEd are working closely together, and more information about a potential opening date will be provided as testing nears completion later this summer.
The City and TransEd continue to educate Edmontonians about how to stay safe around this urban-style LRT which is new to Edmonton. The City’s public safety education campaign began in January 2022 and will continue until after service commencement. Remember, if you “See Tracks, Expect a Train.”
In addition to the ongoing campaign, Valley Line Southeast street teams will be on-site at festivals and events this summer sharing important information about safety near the LRT line. Furthermore, the Edmonton Police Service (in conjunction with Safe Mobility) helps to promote safe motorist behaviours and provides education and enforcement efforts at key locations as needed.
Key safety messages for Edmontonians:
For more information, visit the Valley Line Southeast page.
$2.6 billion
Valley Line West is a 14 kilometre LRT extension from downtown to Lewis Farms and is the second stage of the Valley Line. During the first half of 2023, Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP), the company building Valley Line West, continued working along various sections of the alignment. Most notably, this work included:
Hyundai-Rotem Company (HRC) is supplying 46 low-floor light rail vehicles (LRVs) for Valley Line, which will be compatible along the entire alignment to provide a seamless customer experience. In March 2023, a major milestone was achieved when a full-scale model of half of a single train arrived in Edmonton. This model was used by the City and HRC to evaluate and improve various technical elements of the train, including ensuring accessibility for all Edmontonians. Watch a video about LRV train accessibility testing.
The City regularly connects with the community members and businesses affected by LRT construction. The stakeholder relations program runs year-long and includes business outreach, regular stakeholder meetings and citizen working groups. Stay up-to-date with LRT news from the City of Edmonton, and construction updates from Marigold Infrastructure Partners.
For more information, visit Valley Line West.
Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP) expects to continue work along most of the alignment in 2023, including verifying ground conditions and performing general road maintenance. Watch an MIP look-ahead video summarizing the work expected in 2023.
Significant work will continue in 2023 for the elevated guideway and elevated stations at West Edmonton Mall and the Misericordia Community Hospital. Pier and guideway construction on 87 Avenue is ongoing and will continue throughout 2023.
Major construction is underway along Stony Plain Road, including a full closure between 131 Street and 139 Street so that the road can be reconfigured to accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction, LRT tracks in the middle and wider sidewalks for pedestrians. This full closure is anticipated until late 2023.
Stony Plain Road is also closed between 129 Street and 131 Street to accommodate the replacement of the bridge over Groat Road. This closure is anticipated until fall 2024.
MIP continues drainage and road work along 156 Street/Meadowlark Road between 88 Avenue and 100 Avenue. There will be traffic changes, parking restrictions and pedestrian detours while this work continues throughout 2023.
Work on the train storage facility at Lewis Farms will continue including metal decking, roofing and steel erection. Construction of the Lewis Farms Park and Ride will also continue. The LRT bridge over Anthony Henday Drive will continue to take shape with the pouring of pile caps, abutment caps and piers. It is expected that bridge girders will be installed by the end of 2023.
Expansion of the Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility on 75 Street is ongoing. In 2023, steel erection will begin, grade beam installation will continue and piling work is expected to be completed.
MIP completed the majority of tree removals for the project by the end of spring 2023.
The City’s project agreement with MIP ensures that trees are preserved and protected wherever possible. MIP crews are required to work in such a way that trees are not damaged, and the project agreement includes penalties for infractions.
While some tree removals are unavoidable, more trees will be planted than removed. The City Plan is committed to expanding Edmonton’s urban tree canopy and pledges that two million net new trees will be added to Edmonton by 2050.
$291 million
Metro Line Northwest from NAIT to Blatchford, a 1.6-kilometre extension of the existing LRT, will be a critical mass transit connection into the city’s downtown core. The extension will be a high-floor system with “urban” LRT design features for a more seamless integration with the developing Blatchford community. Overall construction is on schedule and the trackway has been completed. The Overhead Contact System (OCS) has also been successfully connected to the existing system at the current NAIT station.
The extension is anticipated to open sometime in 2024. This extension will set the stage for future expansion from Blatchford to Campbell Road (Phases 2 and 3), a key priority reaffirmed by City Council.
As part of the 2023-2026 Capital Budget, $20 million dollars has been approved by City Council to acquire land to accommodate the future construction of Phase 2 of the Metro Line Northeast extension from Blatchford to Castle Downs.
In 2023, crews are focused on completing work at the utility complexes and the two new stations (NAIT/Blatchford Market Station and Blatchford Gate Station). Solar panel installations continue at each of the stations and when operational will provide renewable energy to the heated shelters, mechanical components and lighting at each of the stations.
Signalling systems are being installed throughout the LRT extension. These provide safe interactions between trains, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles in an urban setting.
Construction of the new cycle path, shared-use paths, sidewalks and road crossings are underway and will enhance connectivity for residents, students and transit users along the LRT corridor. Landscaping and trees are also being planted along the tracks.
In May, development began at 118 Avenue and 123 Avenue to install shared-use paths that will connect adjacent communities to the main cycle path along the LRT corridor. These paths will expand the existing active mode network in the area.
For more information, visit Metro Line Northwest.
$1.1 billion
Capital Line South (Phase 1), a 4.5-km extension from Century Park station to just north of Ellerslie Road, will help serve the growing population of south/southwest Edmonton. Early works construction began in 2022 and will continue throughout 2023 to prepare the LRT corridor along 111 Street. Major construction is anticipated to start in 2024.
In March 2023, the City released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Design-Build Agreement to the two qualified shortlisted bidders:
These two teams will put together their bids over the coming months, and the City anticipates selecting the successful bidder in early 2024. The successful team will complete detailed design, and build the project.
Early works construction is well underway along 111 Street to prepare the future LRT corridor for major construction. Early works will continue throughout 2023, with significant work at the intersection of 23 Avenue and 111 Street, including a drainage lift station at the northeast corner, and the installation of shafts to prepare for future tunnelling work for the LRT underpass. A number of utility relocations need to take place at this intersection, and along 111 Street.
Early works construction also involves tree removals in certain areas, in conjunction with the City’s Forestry branch. Approximately 500 trees need to be removed for the project. Once construction is completed, approximately 1,000 new trees will be planted. The Design-Build contractor is required to pay for every tree removed, so they are motivated to save as many trees as possible.
Construction of the visual screen wall will not occur in 2023 as originally planned. The final material for the wall has not yet been selected. The project team is looking into whether or not there are alternative materials that are the same quality and cost of wood. Affected property owners will be informed of timing and further details once more information is known.
To stay informed on the project, we encourage residents/businesses to subscribe to the City’s ongoing email construction notices by visiting Capital Line South.
Each year, the LRT Renewal Program focuses on replacing aging infrastructure to keep the existing transit service operating safely and smoothly. This work can vary from smaller projects, like replacing deteriorating concrete and platform warning tiles, to major projects like station redevelopments. This is what we call our “TLC for LRT” work.
In summer 2023, the new west platform at Stadium Station was used for the first time. It is intended to provide easier access for major event traffic coming to/from Commonwealth Stadium. The west platform will only be used during major events. Day-to-day commuters should continue to use the centre-loading platform.
Redevelopment work at the station began in 2020, and was necessary to update many of the station's components that were at the end of their lifecycle. The redevelopment work consisted of:
The redeveloped station helps to improve multi-mode connectivity between Commonwealth Stadium, Commonwealth Recreation Centre and the nearby Stadium Yards community.
Crews are working on two escalator replacements at Central Station. Escalator replacements are being staggered to help minimize impacts to LRT riders. One escalator replacement was completed earlier this year at Central Station, while the other two escalators will be completed later in 2023. Transit users will be informed of closures through onsite signage.
Earlier this year, major elevator upgrades were completed at University, Corona and Central Stations. Last year, elevators were upgraded at Bay Station.
The Coliseum Bridge rehabilitation project over 118 Avenue is working towards design completion in fall 2023, allowing for the two-year construction phase to begin in 2024. Concrete rehabilitation work is needed on the bridge girders, along with the installation of new waterproofing.
In June 2023, the 99 Street Pedway preliminary design was completed, with construction anticipated to start in the next few months. The accompanying Streetscape design of 103A Avenue is moving forward as well and is in the final stage of Concept Design.
In June 2023, crews completed major work on the electrical system and track-level drainage system components at Government Centre Station. Final commissioning and decommissioning work will occur until fall 2023. This work will ensure better drainage in this underground station.
The LRT expansion projects approved by City Council will require significant growth in the Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) fleet in the coming years. This, combined with the need to replace the 37 original high-floor LRVs that have been operating for more than 40 years, results in the need to procure 50-70 LRVs for the Capital Line and Metro Line in the next 8 to 10 years, depending on funding and operational needs. Administration is planning to replace the 37 original Siemens U2 LRVs in conjunction with the vehicles for the expansion projects described below to obtain economies of scale in purchasing.
LRV procurement for LRT expansion projects is summarized below:
This project includes the addition of 26 new Bombardier Flexity low-floor LRVs, which have been supplied through the Valley Line Southeast P3 Project Agreement with TransEd Partners.
Administration has selected Hyundai Rotem Company as its preferred proponent to supply 46 new LRVs for the project. A full-scale model of half of a single train arrived in Edmonton in early 2023 and the City anticipates LRVs will be delivered beginning in 2025.
Administration will be procuring six high-floor LRVs for Metro Line Northwest (Phase 1), while the final number of LRVs for Capital Line South (Phase 1) has yet to be determined. The City anticipates procurement will take place from Q3 2023 - Q3 2024.
