May 16, 2023
The City of Edmonton is embarking on another busy construction season with more than 200 projects already on the go or set to get started.
“We are building Edmonton with purpose,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “As we become a city of two million people over the coming decades, we strive to be an inclusive and compassionate community of communities. Every single infrastructure project in the 2023 season is a step toward that future.”
Guided by
The City Plan, these construction projects will directly employ more than 4,600 people from the Edmonton region, support the local economy, build climate resilience, contribute to a healthy city and help Edmontonians prepare for future population growth.
As the City commits to being greener as we grow, LRT expansion will continue to be a critical component of our integrated mass transit network and residents will see work continue on new and existing LRT lines in 2023.
“In 2022, ETS buses and trains travelled more than 46 million kilometres, which is the equivalent of 1,711 trips around the world,” said Adam Laughlin, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services. “Investing in LRT expansion and Bus Rapid Transit will ensure green modes of transportation continue to get Edmontonians where they need to go.”
Construction on major road projects such as the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion and the Terwillegar Drive Expansion also continues this year. Yellowhead Trail and Terwillegar Drive are key arterial routes connecting Edmontonians across the city. The projects also include active transportation upgrades, such as new shared pathways, which will help to provide a safe and efficient route for people who choose to walk, roll or bike.
Through the Neighbourhood Renewal Program, more than 100 kilometres of residential roads and sidewalks and 23 kilometres of alleys will be renewed in 17 neighbourhoods across the city.
The 124 Street streetscape project is set to start the second and final year of construction this spring, with upgrades to the road, lighting and street lights, and drainage systems to the area. The project also adds more than 150 trees and planting areas to the street, helping Edmonton get closer to the goal of 30 per cent canopy coverage.
“Investing in improvements to 124 Street means more people on our street, supporting our restaurants, shopping in our businesses and helping the area thrive,” Jamie Hayward
Executive Director from the Crossroads Business Improvement Association said. “These improvements are going to make 124 Street a more vibrant area for years to come.”
Investing in our existing infrastructure, including the roads and bridges people use everyday, allows Edmontonians to continue moving. Work on more than 17,000 metres of roadway length and 11 bridges will take place between now and the end of this year.
The three-year William Hawrelak Park renewal project that will see the replacement of 50-year-old underground utilities, transportation networks, open spaces and facility infrastructure is now underway.
“We’re passionate about our parks and green spaces, and that’s exactly why we’re continuing to maintain them for decades to come,” said Laughlin.
Residents will soon see construction around the Edmonton-Strathcona Footbridge, as the City works with Strathcona County and the River Valley Alliance to improve access and connectivity to the trail systems in the River Valley.
“As we assess and plan for these construction projects, we look for opportunities to balance investment in new infrastructure while caring for what already exists,” said Laughlin. “We’re working on the roads, bridges and pathways Edmontonians need and use every day to move around the city.”
Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead during construction season. Information about road closures, travel delays and timelines for construction projects is available on the City’s interactive traffic disruptions map:
edmonton.ca/TrafficDisruptions.
“As people move around the city, we want them to be aware of upcoming work and how it may impact their day,” said Laughlin. “While construction can be disruptive, we hope Edmontonians understand these projects are what help make communities. We build spaces that are safe, unique and vibrant for all Edmontonians.”
The City of Edmonton is committed to protecting people around worksites, minimising the impact of construction detours, and accommodating all modes of accessible travel including walking, cycling, rolling and public transit. Safety of the public and workers onsite is a priority for the City.
We would like to thank all Edmontonians for their patience and understanding this construction season as we continue to build and renew Edmonton for today and future generations.
The $7 billion 2023-26 Capital Budget includes more than $1.7 billion in infrastructure renewal.
About The City Plan
The
City Plan is Edmonton’s combined Municipal Development Plan and Transportation Master Plan. It envisions vibrant communities where Edmontonians of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can easily get to the places, people and things they need and love within
a short walk, bike, roll and/or transit trip. Visit
edmonton.ca/CityBuilding to learn more about how the City is helping to transform Edmonton into a healthy, urban and climate resilient city of two million people that supports a prosperous region.
