| Work Detail |
The City of Edmonton announced the end to a productive construction season. This year, the City managed more than 220 projects that build capacity for Edmonton’s growth, support the local economy and provide accessible and vibrant infrastructure for all.
“Edmonton is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Investing in infrastructure is critical to supporting economic growth and laying the foundation for more connected and accessible communities,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “This year’s construction season, with its variety and complexity of projects, highlights our commitment to maintaining and building infrastructure that supports Edmontonian’s needs while building a city with purpose for the future.”
The $8 billion 2023–2026 Capital Budget charts the path for an ambitious infrastructure program, which includes $1.7 billion in infrastructure renewal over four years.
“As I reflect on our more than 220 active City projects, I am proud of our work and the scope and scale of what we’re accomplishing,” said Craig Walbaum, Acting Deputy City Manager of the Integrated Infrastructure Services department. “In 2024, crews were hard at work in every corner of the city on everything from large-scale transformational projects to necessary infrastructure renewal. We’re building with purpose now to prepare for growth in the coming decades.”
2024 construction season highlights
By the numbers
92 of 223 City projects were under construction in 2024:
36 of 89 transportation projects
26 of 76 facilities projects
6 of 9 LRT expansion and renewal projects
24 of 49 open spaces projects
Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion
There was significant progress on the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion in 2024. Construction on the 156 Street to St. Albert Trail segment was substantially completed in 2024, along with the Fort Road widening project.
Fort Road between 66 Street and Yellowhead Trail is now open to full capacity. The widened road opened in August and features three lanes for northbound and southbound traffic. It offers improved access to businesses via the new 125 Avenue collector road.
Substantial work was done along the Yellowhead between 156 Street and St. Albert Trail, where three lanes of traffic now flow in each direction with a posted speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour. New, dedicated, one-way service roads in the eastbound and westbound directions improve access to businesses, St. Albert Trail, 142 Street, 149 Street, 156 Street and adjacent communities.
The freeway conversion will improve the corridor’s safety, the movement of goods and services into and out of the city and region, and the commute for tens of thousands of Edmontonians.Terwillegar Drive Expansion
Construction on Stage 2 of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion continued this year, including work to widen Whitemud Drive and rehabilitate the Rainbow Valley Bridge. Early work on Stage 3 of the project at Anthony Henday Drive will begin spring 2025. The project is anticipated to be finished in 2028.
50 Street Widening and Railway Grade Separation
The City marked a major achievement on the 50 Street Widening and Railway Grade Separation Project. In September, the northbound overpass between Sherwood Park Freeway and 90 Avenue opened to both northbound and southbound traffic. This marks a significant step toward reducing traffic congestion. Work on the southbound overpass is now underway. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
LRT Expansion and Renewal
Mass transit is critical to connecting people to the places that matter most to them. This season marked the third year of major construction along the 14-kilometre Valley Line West LRT extension from downtown to Lewis Farms. One major milestone met this season is the reopening of the new Stony Plain Road bridge for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and Stony Plain Road between 131 and 139 Street (reopening November 30). There has also been significant progress on the LRT bridge crossing Anthony Henday Drive and the elevated guideway along 87 Avenue.
Early work on the Capital Line South Extension (Phase 1 from Century Park to Ellerslie Road) is anticipated to be completed this year. To prepare for the construction of the LRT underpass, a major lane shift is in place at the 23 Avenue and 111 Street intersection. Major construction on the 4.5-kilometre LRT extension will begin in 2025.
Warehouse Park
Warehouse Park is an example of the work being done to make the downtown more vibrant. Construction on the new park began in May. This season, crews completed utility work and began construction on the pavilion. The project is anticipated to be finished late next year.
Neighbourhood Renewal Program
The Neighbourhood Renewal Program aims to transform communities and improve access across Edmonton. This year, the City reconstructed about 73 kilometres of residential roads and alleys, 57 kilometres of sidewalks and 12 kilometres of active transportation infrastructure.
Mill Creek Pool Rehabilitation
Work also wrapped up this season on the Mill Creek Pool Rehabilitation Project. The pool reopened in July with improved accessibility and an extended lifespan. The work ensures the pool will provide Edmontonians with memorable aquatic experiences for years to come.
Blatchford
More than 40 per cent of the Blatchford site has either been developed by the City, is under development, or is in the planning and development stage. Almost all of that land has either been sold by the City to homebuilders, has a sale agreement in place, or has active builder interest. More 250 units have been completed by homebuilders or are currently under construction with another almost 800 units planned.
Active Transportation Network Expansion
Construction on 10 new shared pathways totalling 17.4 kilometres began in 2024 with six routes now completed. Construction will continue in 2025. |
