Edmonton city council approves plan to speed up LRT construction

An Edmonton city council committee has accepted a new proposal that would see intersections along Stony Plain Road completely or partially closed for several weeks to speed up Valley Line West LRT construction.

Those representing businesses in the area say the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain.

“Our businesses have dealt with 45 months of delayed construction and traffic disruptions. So we need this process expedited,” explained Todd Janes, the executive director of the Stony Plain Road & Area Business Association.

The plan would see the intersection at Stony Plain Road and 124th Street completely closed for six to eight weeks for construction while intersections like 142nd Street and 149th Street would see partial closures, but severely restricted traffic.

Janes says he has mixed feelings, but beleaguered businesses impacted by construction are ready to try anything at this point.

“Is it worth it? Well, we have very few options. We’ve had a long time of slow agonizing construction, so lets see if we can get it done quickly safely and effectively,” Janes explained.

The councillor for the area, Andrew Knack, says the 2025 construction season is looking good for road work completion and the plan would only see one intersection closed at a time.

“Looking at how this one has gone, and the impact to people, I wish this has been used up front. In fact, it’s something I raised with folks before we started this project, but there was a lot of hesitation and I understand why. I think in hindsight this is something that should have happened in the first place,” said Knack.

A report to councillors Tuesday says the company responsible for the Valley Line West LRT, Marigold Infrastructure Partners, admits construction did not progress as quickly as hoped in 2022 and 2023, but stresses major work was completed this last year.

Construction on the line is slated for completion in 2028.