Edmonton plans to ‘build with purpose’ in 2023 season
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi says upgrades are necessary to prepare for the growing population.
Key Takeaways:
- Crews are scheduled to work on more than 17,000 metres of roadway length and 11 bridges.
- Residents will see work continue on new and existing LRT lines in 2023.
- The city’s $7 billion 2023-26 Capital Budget includes more than $1.7 billion in infrastructure renewal.
The Whole Story:
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.”
According to Edmonton officials, the 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 prepare for future population growth.
officials noted that LRT expansion will continue to be a critical component of its 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.
Crews are scheduled to work on more than 17,000 metres of roadway length and 11 bridges in 2023.
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. Officials noted that this is part of city’s goal to provide 30 per cent canopy coverage.
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.
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.”
The $7 billion 2023-26 Capital Budget includes more than $1.7 billion in infrastructure renewal.
