Valley Line West Project History

On November 30, 2024, Stony Plain Road between 129 Street and 139 Street, and the new Stony Plain Road Bridge over Groat Road reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The new Stony Plain Road Bridge was reconstructed to accommodate LRT tracks in the middle, one lane of vehicle traffic in each direction and a shared-use path.
 

The first segment of track on Valley Line West was installed in July 2024, along Stony Plain Road at 139 Street.

MIP installed several steel girders on the new LRT bridge that will cross Anthony Henday Drive in west Edmonton. The work was captured by MIP in this timelapse video.

Work to demolish and remove the Stony Plain Road Bridge over Groat Road took place over 6 days in late December 2022 and early January 2023. The demolition of the existing bridge, captured in this video by MIP, was necessary to build a new bridge to accommodate trains, vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The demolition and removal of the bridge involved extensive collaboration between various crews to safely dismantle the bridge components and clear them from the area.

The City of Edmonton and Marigold Infrastructure Partners celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony at Lewis Farms Transit Centre on May 27, 2022, commemorating one full year of construction. Members of the federal, provincial and municipal governments were on hand to celebrate the exciting milestone.

The City has selected Marigold Infrastructure Partners as the preferred proponent to design, build and partially finance the $2.6 billion Valley Line West LRT. 

Please read our news release and the industry bulletin for more details. The Fairness Report outlines how we ensured the procurement competition for the Valley Line West LRT was transparent, fair and equitable.

On December 23, 2020, the City reached financial close with Marigold Infrastructure Partners. See the industry bulletin for more information.

The City has selected Marigold Infrastructure Partners as the preferred proponent to design, build and partially finance the $2.6 billion Valley Line West LRT. We expect to have a signed project agreement by the end of the year.

Please read our news release and the industry bulletin for more details. The Fairness Report outlines how we ensured the procurement competition for the Valley Line West LRT was transparent, fair and equitable.

The City has shortlisted 3 teams to participate in the next stage of its procurement competition for the contract to design, build and partially finance the $2.6 billion Valley Line West LRT.

Please read our industry bulletin for further details. The Fairness Report outlines how the procurement competition for the Valley Line West LRT is transparent, fair and equitable.

The City launched its procurement process on January 7, 2020 with a Request for Qualifications. Valley Line West will be delivered using a design-build-finance (DBF) model. This type of contract requires the successful bidder to undertake the design and construction of the project and provide partial private financing. The City will procure light rail vehicles separately and is currently exploring options related to that approach. Please read our media release and industry bulletin for more information.

The project entered into procurement in March 2019, which involved a rigorous competitive process to select a team that can deliver the project. A shortlist of pre-qualified teams was released on May 31, 2019.

In July, 2 of the 3 shortlisted teams withdrew from the process for unrelated reasons. The project team spent the following months conducting sounding interviews with market participants. This development is not anticipated to have an impact on the overall schedule for the project. 

You can learn more about the project from the Business Case summary. Please see the Valley Line West Procurement Fact Sheet for additional details.

The Valley Line West LRT project has entered into procurement which involves undertaking a rigorous competitive process to select a team who can effectively deliver the project. As of May 31, 2019, the Evaluation Committee has reviewed the submissions received and created a shortlist. The independent Fairness Monitor assigned to oversee the process has issued its final letter report.

City Council approved the municipal funding contribution of $444 million for Valley Line West and applied the federal and provincial contributions to the project budget. That means Valley Line West is fully funded and can move forward through procurement and construction, extending the Valley Line West 14km from Downtown to Lewis Farms.

People were invited to join the project team to celebrate the completion of the Valley Line West preliminary design at 2 capstone events: the final wrap-up information sessions where Edmontonians learned more about the Council-approved preliminary design and next steps as the project moved toward construction.

Project Materials

Display Boards (19MB)
Park & Ride - What We Heard
Bus Network Redesign - April 2019-September 2020

Fact Sheets

124 Street
Lewis Farms - Downtown (Spring 2019 Update)
Noise Assessment
Procurement
Trees

In 2017, the Valley Line West commissioned an updated noise study as part of the preliminary design update review. The results indicate the Valley Line West LRT project is expected to comply with Edmonton noise bylaws.

Noise and Vibration Impact Report (37MB)

On July 4, 2018, The Valley Line West team met with local businesses, property owners and residents in the area of Stony Plain Road and 124 Street to discuss the revised plan for the 124 Street Stop location.

On October 16, 2019 the Valley Line West team updated the City’s Urban Planning Committee on the placement of the 124 Street LRT Stop as part of this Council Report. The recommendation was first passed by Urban Planning Committee and was later reviewed and approved by City Council.

Report Attachment 1
Report Attachment 2
Report Attachment 3

The report is available here

City of Edmonton Network Operations prepared a strategy to address potential shortcutting impacts through neighbourhoods adjacent to the Valley Line West LRT expansion. 

The report is available here.

The City received a provincial funding commitment of $1.04 billion for Valley Line West, solidifying the City’s long-term vision to expand LRT to the west end of Edmonton.

These funds will be used toward the procurement and construction of Valley Line West. Once additional funding is secured, it is anticipated it would take about 1 year to select a contractor and another 5 to 6 years to complete construction. 

Read the Government of Alberta news release on funding announcement.

On July 5, 2018, Executive Committee passed a motion requesting that Administration analyse the impacts of the Jasper Avenue and West LRT construction on motor vehicle traffic and requested the exploration of mitigation measures such as traffic couplets, reversible lanes, and smart traffic signals.

The City’s Transportation Planning area presented the results of the analysis to Executive Committee.

On July 26, 2018, the City held a public engagement session to present a proposal to convert Stony Plain Road to a one-way, westbound operation from 149 Street to 156 Street. Citizens were invited to view possible design options and to share their feedback and perspectives.

Report Attachment 1
Report Attachment 2
Report Attachment 3

View the report

On August 28, 2018 citizens were invited to a public information session to learn more about the Environmental Impact Assessments process and the findings of the 2 studies. Environmental and project staff were on hand to answer questions.

The Valley Line West team presented environmental information in accordance with Bylaw 7188 for approval from City Council to proceed with proposed work.

The report is available here.

The public was invited to come to view the City’s proposed development concept plan for the future Valley Line West LRT stop, light rail vehicle storage facility and park and ride at Lewis Farms. The plan consists of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) station, an associated planning application to amend the Potter Greens Neighbourhood Structure Plan (NSP) and the rezoning of land to accommodate it. Representatives from both ISL Engineering and the City were in attendance to answer questions or concerns.

Comments from the information session will be shared with City Council before making a decision on the proposal.

Rezoning Application

LRT Display Boards

As part of the Valley Line West LRT project, in accordance with the City’s North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 7188), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) were undertaken for project components at MacKinnon Ravine and Groat Ravine. The assessments describe current environmental conditions, assess potential project impacts and provide mitigation measures.

Citizens were invited to a public information session to learn more about the EIA process and the findings of the 2 studies. Environmental and project staff were on hand to answer questions.

Display Boards (12.4MB)
Environmental Impact Assessment - Crossing at Groat Ravine (9.6MB)
Environmental Impact Assessment - Activities Near MacKinnon Ravine
​​​​​​​Site Location Study - Crossing at Groat Ravine and Activities Near MacKinnon Ravine 

As part of the Valley Line West LRT project, the City is considering a proposal to convert Stony Plain Road to a one-way, westbound operation from 149 Street to 156 Street.

On July 26, 2018, Citizens were invited to view possible design options and to share their feedback and perspectives. 

Display Boards (11MB)

On July 4, 2018, The Valley Line West team met with local businesses, property owners and residents in the area of Stony Plain Road and 124 Street to discuss the revised plan for the 124 Street Stop location.

The team outlined the details of the new stop location as well as the limited alternatives that were available, along with their implications.

Presentation

As part of its review of the 2013 preliminary design and grade separations assessment, the Valley Line West team recommended changes to key areas along the LRT alignment. These changes require amendments to the original concept plan.

On March 21, 2018, City Council held a non-statutory public hearing to review the proposed concept plan amendments for Valley Line West LRT. Edmontonians were invited to attend to express their views or listen to the deliberations. In total, 43 members of the public spoke at the public hearing.

City Council Minutes March 21, 2018 (Item 4.1)

Council Motions:

Lewis Estates to Downtown, as outlined in Attachment 7 of the March 21, 2018, Integrated Infrastructure Services report CR_5165, be approved.

• Lewis Farms LRT terminus site, 87 Avenue/West of Anthony Henday Drive: Adjust location of LRT Stop and light rail vehicle (LRV) storage facility, increase size of Park & Ride facility to approximately 900 stalls
• Jasper Place Transit Centre: Maintain existing transit centre location west of 156 Street

Lewis Estates to Downtown, be approved:

• 87 Avenue and 178 Street: That the elevated LRT guideway over 178 Street, run along the centre of 87 Avenue
• Stony Plain Road, 155 Street to 156 Street, 156 Street, Stony Plain Road to 99 Avenue and 156 Street LRT Stop
  • Street level track alignment with a 90-degree turn from Stony Plain Road to the west side of 156 Street, transitioning back to the centre of 156 Street at 99 Avenue
  • Relocate 156 Street LRT Stop to the west side of 156 Street, south of 100A Avenue
• That the LRT crossing at SPR and 149th Street remain at street level but that the configuration of the alignment be determined through ongoing design
• That the LRT alignment along Stony Plain Road between 149 and 156 Streets remain at street level but that the configuration of the alignment be determined through ongoing design

That Administration:

• Review the 124 Street configuration and consider options to optimise the station location and roadway alignment, and engage adjacent property owners
• Bring back a report on any threat to heritage homes and trees during construction with options and estimated costs to save, or if necessary, relocate the trees within the same neighbourhood
• Report back to Council on negotiations with MacEwan University on its concerns around project impacts, including active transportation at 110 Street
• Report to Council on mitigation plans to prevent shortcutting through communities along the line (Example: Westmount along 127th street) caused by Valley Line West’s changes to the road network
• Explore public and private Park & Ride opportunities at all stations between 142 Street and Lewis Farms

The Valley Line West team will be reviewing specific design elements and reporting back to City Council over the coming months.

Building on public engagement opportunities held last year, the City held a public information and engagement session on January 24, 2018 to further update the community on planned adjustments and refinements to the preliminary design, including LRT crossings and to collect additional public input.

Recommendations for concept plan amendments, along with a summary of public input received, is planned to be submitted to City Council in March.

Meeting Material

Display Boards

The Fall 2017 Booklet (37 MB) includes the most current information on the project; low-floor LRT, Sustainable Urban Integration, corridor selection, concept, design and engineering, public engagement, public art policy, maps and LRT stops. 

Residents were invited to join working group meetings for the zone of interest to them and volunteer to be considered as one of the public representatives that will be chosen by attendees at the meetings. ​

Zones:​

• 87 Avenue (178 Street - Lewis Farms)
• 87 Avenue (Meadowlark - 178 Street)
• Stony Plain Road (Groat Road - 159 Street)
• Downtown (102 Street - Groat Road)
• 156 Street (100 Avenue - 87 Avenue)

June 21 and 29, 2017

Residents were asked to give input on any issues and opportunities to consider for the crossing assessments at 149 Street and 178 Street along the alignment.

Meeting Material

178 Street/87 Avenue Fact Sheet

178 Street/87 Avenue Display Boards

149 Street/Stony Plain Road Fact Sheet

149 Street/Stony Plain Road Display Boards

As a result of traffic-related concerns, Council approved a framework to evaluate if LRT crossings should be at-grade, elevated or below the road.

Council Meeting Minutes June 13, 2017 (Item 6.2) 
LRT Crossing Assessment Framework Fact Sheet

The 27-kilometre Valley Line was divided into six consultation areas:

Area 1 Map (Mill Woods to Whitemud)

Area 2 Map (Whitemud to Argyll)

Area 3 Map (Argyll to Strathearn)

Area 4 Map (Strathearn to Centre West)

Area 5 Map (Centre West to 149 Street)

Area 6 Map (149 Street to Lewis Farms)

Following two years of design and consultation, the preliminary design of the 27-kilometre urban style LRT from Mill Woods to Lewis Farms was completed.

Valley Line LRT Final Preliminary Design

In stage 5 the public was invited to view the final recommended preliminary design of the Valley Line LRT. This round of engagement included information-sharing on the environmental impact assessment process, findings, and recommendations.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Meeting Materials

Presentations

Area 1 - 2 Mill Woods to Argyll

Area 3 - 4 Argyll to Centre West

Area 5 - 6 Centre West to Lewis Farms

Project Displays

Area 1 - 4 Mill Woods to Centre West

Area 5 - 6 Centre West to Lewis Farms

Detailed Maps

Area 1 Mill Woods to Whitemud

Area 2 Whitemud to Argyll

Area 3 Argyll to Strathearn

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West (1 of 2)

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West (2 of 2)

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street (1 of 2)

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street (2 of 2)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (1 of 3)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (2 of 3)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (3 of 3)

The City had a two year plan to develop and finalize the Preliminary Design for 27 km urban style low-floor rail system from Mill Woods to Lewis Farms.

Preliminary Design Process

Following extensive public input, the names of the current and future LRT lines were decided. The LRT stop and station, bridge, and facility names for the southeast portion of the Valley Line LRT were also determined. However, the stops, stations, bridges and facilities on the west portion of the Valley Line would have to wait until funding and a construction timeline were determined.

City Council approved the concept for a new bridge that will take the Southeast to West LRT across the North Saskatchewan River into the downtown. Public input, technical feasibility, and cost were factors in the selection of this bridge concept.

North Saskatchewan River Bridge (Original 6 Concepts)

North Saskatchewan Bridge (Large Renderings)

Stage 4 collected final input on the proposed designs and other key elements discussed in Stages 2 and 3, and presented updates on the ongoing technical developments.

What We Heard Report - January 2013

Environmental Impact Assessment Information

North Saskatchewan River Bridge (3 options)

Meeting Materials

Presentations

Area 1 - 2 Mill Woods to Argyll

Area 3 Argyll to Strathearn

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West

Area 5 - 6 Centre West to Lewis

Project Displays

Area 1 Mill Woods to Whitemud

Area 2 Whitemud to Argyll

Area 3 Argyll to Strathearn

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West

Area 5 - 6 Centre West to Lewis Farms

Detailed Maps

Area 1 Mills Woods to Whitemud

Area 2 Whitemud to Argyll

Area 3 Argyll to Strathearn

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West (1 of 2)

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West (2 of 2)

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street (1 of 2)

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street (2 of 2)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (1 of 3)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (2 of 3)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (3 of 3)

The focus of the area meetings in stage 3 was to present preliminary designs of stop and station elements for each area, proposed changes to roadways and related concepts for connectivity and pedestrian/cyclist access. Participants had opportunities to be involved by attending the meeting in their area or by participating online.

What We Heard Report - May to November 2012

North Saskatchewan River Bridge (six options)

Meeting Materials

Presentations

Area 1 - 4 Mill Woods to Centre West

Area 5 - 6 Centre West to Lewis Farms

Project Displays

General

Area 1 Mill Woods to Whitemud

Area 2 Whitemud to Argyll

Area 3 Argyll to Strathearn

Area 4 Strathearn to Centre West

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms

Detailed Maps

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street (1 of 2)

Area 5 Centre West to 149 Street (2 of 2)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (1 of 3)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (2 of 3)

Area 6 149 Street to Lewis Farms (3 of 3)

November 2011 to February 2012 - Stage 1

The project team focused on developing the public involvement plan to guide all public involvement activities throughout the project. The plan was based on input and information from June 2010 to June 2012, as well as new information gathered through interviews and online surveys with stakeholders.

What We Heard - February 2012

March to April 2012 - Stage 2 

The project team consulted the public for the Southeast to West LRT through community conversations in six consultation areas along all 27 kilometres of the line. Each meeting included a presentation and small group discussion of how the LRT could integrate with communities.

What We Heard - March to May 2012

Approved Concept Plans and Detailed Maps

Southeast LRT Concept Plan

Detailed Southeast Alignment Maps

West LRT Concept Plan

Detailed West Alignment Maps

Downtown Concept Plan

Revised Concept Plan for Quarters Area

Downtown Route Selection Report

Concept Plan

City Council approved the proposed amendments to the concept plan, making the entire line ready to move forward with preliminary design.

Approved Concept Plan Amendment

Approval of the proposed amendment details:

• The Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) was relocated to Whitemud Drive and 75 Street
• The Transit Centre and LRT station were relocated to Wagner, on 75 Street south of Wagner Road
• The Park and Ride was relocated to Wagner and will include up to 1300 stalls
• There will be no LRT stop at Whitemud Drive and 75 Street
• The LRT will operate on a bridge from about 85 Street and Argyll Road to 75 Street and McIntyre Road

Public Consultation

A report on how the public was consulted about the Southeast to West LRT concept plan amendment was available in March 2012.

What We Heard Report - March 2012

Property Acquisition

When approving the route Council considered the impact on property owners and ultimately selected an alignment that minimized the need for private property acquisition. However, in some cases, privately-held property will need to be acquired in order for the project to proceed.

Property Acquisition

The project team presented two options for the downtown route—102 Avenue and 102A/103 Avenue—and supporting reports from the public consultation. Council approved the 102 Avenue route options for the downtown portion of the Southeast to West LRT Project.

City Council Meeting Minutes (Item 6.3)

Downtown LRT Concept Plan Presentation

Council was presented with a report that recommended the concept plan for the Downtown LRT Connector between the West and Southeast lines.

Council and Committee Meeting Minutes - January 18, 2011 (Item 6.1 and 6.2)

Transportation Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes - January 31, 2012

Downtown LRT Concept Plan Presentation

Council was presented with a report that recommended the concept plan for the Downtown LRT Connector between the West and Southeast lines.

Council and Committee Meeting Minutes - November 15, 2011 (Item 6.2)

Downtown LRT Concept Plan Presentation

The project team was asked to return to Council on January 18, 2012 and provide details on an underground option for 102 Avenue and 102A Avenue, a LRT Stop on 95 Street and 102A Avenue and alternate options for 102A Avenue/103 Avenue, including details regarding why 102A Avenue was not used.

A revised recommendation was completed and shared with the stakeholders.

Downtown LRT Revised Recommendation: 102 and 102A Avenue - 95 to 97 Street

Downtown LRT Revised Recommendation: 102 and 102A Avenue - 95 to 97 Street - Chinese

Downtown LRT Revised Recommendation Boards

The project team worked with the community in the vicinity of 102 Avenue and 102A Avenue between 95 Street and 97 Street to discuss local concerns and opportunities, and collectively developed four LRT options.

Downtown LRT Presentation - August 21, 2011

Feedback Summary Report - 102 and 102A Avenue - September 2011

Downtown LRT Presentation - July 24, 2011

Feedback Summary Report - 102 and 102A Avenue - August 2011

Feedback Summary Report - Chinese Version - August 2011

City Council approved $39 million to proceed to preliminary engineering for the Southeast and West portions of the LRT line.

City Council Minutes - June 1, 2011 (Item 6.10)

Following the approval of a study on the downtown LRT connector corridor study on June 21, 2010, a concept planning study was initiated to define where the LRT would fit within the approved corridor, where LRT stops would be located, and what type of access changes would be required for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

A public involvement process was initiated to support the planning study, and to identify local issues and impacts that needed to be addressed through the planning process. The project team followed up with a concept on November 15, 2011.

At the June 21, 2010 City Council meeting, Council determined that a downtown LRT connector would be defined. Council approved the downtown LRT connector corridor in June and asked the project team to provide more details on the refinement of the downtown alignment. The development of the recommended concept plan involved additional engineering and public consultation to evaluate various options of the alignment.

Transportation and Public Works Committee Minutes - (Item 6.2)

Presentation

The Downtown LRT Connector information session provided stakeholders with information about the LRT planning process, the recommended Concept Plan for presentation to City Council and to receive and summarize feedback to inform City Council.

Presentation

Display Boards

Recommended Concept Plan

Fact Sheet

Council approved $102 million for land acquisition along the Valley Line corridor.

December 5, 2011 - City Council Meeting Minutes (Item 3.2)

Clarification was presented to Council on how the project team would assess and mitigate vibration and intersection impacts, ridership forecast, park n’ ride options and neighbourhood accesses.

Transportation and Public Works Committee Minutes (Item 6.7)

Council approved the amended Southeast and West LRT Concept Plans that were presented.

Valley Line Fact Sheet (Chinese)

City Council Public Hearing Minutes (Item 6.6 and 6.7)

Southeast LRT Concept Plan

Detailed Southeast Alignment Maps

West LRT Concept Plan

Detailed West Alignment Maps

The Transportation and Public Works Committee reviewed the Southeast, West and Downtown concept plans. Reports for Council were requested for March 22, 2011 to get more clarity on some costs, assessment and impacts.

Special Transportation and Public Works Committee Minutes

Information sessions were held to share the final proposal to Council, and get feedback on design options and concept plans in preparation for the non-statutory public hearing at the Transportation and Public Works Committee scheduled for December 8, 2010.

November 29 and 30, 2010: West LRT Information Sessions

Presentation - Stony Plain Road Business District to Downtown

Presentation - Lewis Estates to Stony Plain Road Business District

Survey Results West LRT Final Report - September 2010

November 24 and 25, 2010: Southeast LRT Information Sessions

Presentation - Downtown to Argyll

Survey Results Southeast LRT Final Report - September 2010

November 2, 2010: Downtown LRT Open House

Presentation - Downtown LRT Connector

Booklet - Downtown LRT Connector

September 2010: Downtown LRT Design Options

Booklet - Downtown LRT Design Options

September 7 and 8, 2010: Southeast LRT and West LRT Open Houses

Presentation Southeast Downtown to Argyll Road

Presentation Southeast Argyll Road to Mill Woods

Presentation West Lewis Farms to 156 Street

Presentation West Meadowlark to Downtown

City Council approved the surface downtown section of LRT. The work to determine the downtown LRT route was developed in conjunction with the Capital City Downtown Plan.

City Council Public Hearing Minutes - (Item 3.7)

The project team was now focused on how the LRT route would “fit” into the corridors. Workshops were setup to define things like: where the LRT will run within the corridors, where the bridges or underpasses will be, where the stations will be located, how they will be configured, and how vehicle access in and out of communities will be impacted.

Southeast and West LRT Milestones Report

Lewis Farms to 156 Street/92 Avenue

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

163 Street/87 Avenue to Stony Plain Road/142 Street

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

Stony Plain Road/149 Street to Stony Plain Road/124 Street

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

Stony Plain Road (Groat Road Bridge) to Downtown

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

Downtown to 95 Avenue/84 Street

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

Connors Road (Cloverdale Hill) to 83 Street/Whyte Avenue

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

83 Street/90 Avenue (Traffic Circle) to 75 Street/Wagner Road

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

75 Street/Wagner Road to Mill Woods

Presentation

Workshop Comment Summary

City Council passed a motion to make the combined West and Southeast LRT lines the next priority after, or concurrent with, the NAIT line (now know as the Metro Line).

City Council Minutes - Priorities of next LRT Lines (Item 5.5)

City Council approved the proposed Southeast and West LRT corridors for the LRT expansion. The approval followed extensive public involvement, recognizing that new LRT development will play an important role in shaping the future of our City and result in significant benefit and impact to businesses, communities and institutions.

Special City Council Public Hearing Minutes (Item 3.1)

The corridor selection reports explain the project structure, alternatives identification, screening process, evaluation criteria and a summary of the technical analysis key points. These points were completed and presented to Council, along with a public involvement report that summarized how the public was consulted on the corridor selection and the outcomes of those meetings.

Southeast LRT Route Selection Report

West LRT Route Selection Report

Public Involvement Report 2008 to 2009

Prior to these reports, the Southeast to West LRT (now known as the Valley Line) corridor had not been defined. After consulting with the public, it was recommended that the West LRT would run from Lewis Estates (now known as Lewis Farms) to 109 Street at MacEwan University, and the Southeast LRT would run from Mill Woods (28 Avenue and 66 Street) to 109 Street at MacEwan University.

These reports detail the decision-making process conducted by the City to determine the recommended corridor for the Southeast to West LRT.

Southeast LRT Corridor Analysis Final Report

West LRT Corridor Analysis Final Report

Online consultation and two public workshops were held to solicit input on the LRT route options. As the technical analysis was completed, information from this phase of consultation was used to ensure local issues were considered within the technical evaluation, and to identify consultation points for further study.

Interviews gathered feedback on the five possible routes identified by the project team and received input on a proposed public involvement plan for the project.

Public Involvement Process Profiling Interviews for Southeast LRT

March and April 2009

A questionnaire and a series of face-to-face interviews were conducted with key stakeholders. This information was used to help refine the discussion points for further public involvement. A summary of public feedback was completed in the Public Involvement Themes Report.

December 2008, City Council approved a new criteria for LRT Route Planning and Evaluation. This criteria reflected a shift in the City’s strategic planning direction, as reflected in The Way We Move and The Way We Grow. For LRT and Transit investments, the original goal was to minimize travel times and increase ridership, but the new focus was finding a balance of travel time and shaping land use.

Planning Studies and Policy Change

At this time, planning studies were underway for a West LRT line. However, the change in policy direction led to a decision to re-evaluate potential west routes.

In 2009, the City also completed a long-term study to define the future size, scale and operation of Edmonton’s LRT system. The Network Plan calls for the potential development of five LRT lines across the city. For lines that don’t physically connect into the existing system, such as the Valley Line, the network plan called for the development of an urban-style LRT. This means the system should have smaller, more frequent stops that are better connected to the surrounding community.

LRT Route Planning and Evaluation Criteria

Building LRT