Metro Line - Northwest (Extension)

Project Update

Phase 1 of the Metro Line Northwest Extension is open for passenger service to the new NAIT/Blatchford Market Station. Demolition of the former NAIT LRT Station is underway and crews will be adding landscaping and architectural elements to the area throughout 2024.

The new NAIT/Blatchford Market Station opened for passenger service on January 20, 2024. The new Blatchford Gate Station will not open to the public until the City’s Transit Service Standards ( Policy C539A ) are met.

See LRT Stations Map

Plan a Trip

NAIT/Blatchford Market Station

Perforated panels at NAIT/Blatchford Market Station

123 Avenue intersection

Shared-use path along the LRT corridor

Utility complex near Blatchford Gate Station

Shared-use path at 123 Avenue. There is an additional shared-use path at 118 Avenue.

The Metro Line Northwest LRT is part of The City Plan vision. Extending the current line will improve mobility and access to existing and new neighbourhoods in the north and northwest areas of the city.

Highlights - Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Metro Line Northwest Extension applied an urban LRT design philosophy, focusing on seamless integration of LRT with the adjacent land. It involves fewer barriers, improved access and smaller-scale LRT station infrastructure. Phase 1 highlights include:

1.6-kilometre extension

2 new LRT stations (NAIT/Blatchford Market Station and Blatchford Gate Station)

Stations can accommodate 4 and 5-car trains, providing additional transit capacity as ridership demand warrants

Solar panels on both stations that supply two-thirds of the stations’ electricity needs

Shared-use path along the west side of the tracks connecting to new shared-use paths at 118 Avenue and 123 Avenue and the City’s existing active transportation network

400 new trees and 1,600 new shrubs were planted

Phase Two Land Acquisition Program

As part of the 2023-26 Capital Budget, Council has approved $20 million to acquire land for Phase 2 of the Metro Line Northwest extension from Blatchford to Castle Downs. The City will be connecting with affected property owners in 2024, and will work with them towards voluntary acquisition. Further information on the route for Phase 2 and 3 can be found in the Metro Line NW LRT booklet .

Property Acquisition

The City considers the impact on property owners when approving projects and selects plans that minimize the need for private property acquisition. In some cases, private property acquisition will be needed in order for the project to move forward.

The City prefers to acquire properties that are listed or otherwise offered for sale. For properties not offered for sale, a City of Edmonton property agent will contact owners when the City begins to acquire properties for the project. City property agents will negotiate in good faith in an effort to buy the property for fair compensation.

If a property owner and the City cannot reach an agreement, the City may proceed with expropriation of the property as a last resort. Additional information on property acquisition and expropriation.

If you have specific questions about property impacts, please reach out to lrtprojects@edmonton.ca.

Style of LRT

The Metro Line extension will combine both an urban and suburban style. Utilizing a high-floor train, certain portions of the alignment will be incorporated into communities while other segments will run through suburban areas.

The high-floor train operates similar to the low-floor trains with the main difference being the location of equipment is below the floor, resulting in higher station platforms. Landscaping and architectural features will be incorporated into the design to minimize intrusion and maximize the openness of space to create a safe environment.

The Metro Line extension will be mainly at street level, although going above or below ground will be required to cross busier intersections and the CN Walker Rail Yard. This preliminary design was approved by City Council in January 2019.