Two Edmonton LRT projects receive federal, provincial funding commitments

The city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada received financial commitments from the federal and provincial governments March 11 that will support two new light-rail transit (LRT) extensions. The funding, which totals a combined C$2.2 billion (US$1.66 billion), will go toward the Valley Line West and the Metro Line Northwest LRT projects. The funds are provided through the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan and the province’s Climate Leadership Plan. 

Infrastructure Canada said both projects will significantly improve Edmonton’s LRT system by extending service to new areas of the city, improving the rider experience, increasing accessibility and laying the groundwork for future expansion and growth.

As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson explains planning and building to meet that growth is one of the driving factors behind the LRT expansions.

“We are undertaking the most ambitious expansion of our LRT network in our history so we can grow smart and sustainably and keep more than a million people moving,” said Mayor Iveson. “Today's announcement is a true representation of partnership between all levels of government, a partnership that is needed in order to continue to make valuable investments like these that will benefit the generations to come.”

The Valley Line West LRT project consists of the second and next stage of the Valley Line construction. The project involves extending the line by approximately 14 km (8.6 miles) from downtown Edmonton to the west-end community of Lewis Farms. Canada will provide approximately C$948 million (US$712.5 million) for the project, while Alberta will provide C$1.04 billion (US$780 million) and the city of Edmonton will contribute C$637 million (US$478.76 million) toward the project.

The Metro Line Northwest LRT Extension project is the first stage of an expansion of the Metro Line and involves extending the line by approximately 1.5 km (.93 miles) from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to the Blatchford development. Canada will provide approximately C$127 million (US$95 .45 million) for the project, while Alberta will provide C$131 million (US$98.46 million) and the city of Edmonton will contribute C$69.6 million (US$52.3 million) toward the project.

The city said it can finalize its municipal funding requirements for both projects and bring them to the City Council for consideration this spring now that federal and provincial funding is in place. Additionally, procurement of contractors to perform the work may proceed now that funding has been secured.

Edmonton says the process to select a contractor for the Valley Line West LRT project will take approximately one year followed by another five to six years of construction. Completing the design and selecting a contractor for the Metro Line Northwest LRT extension is expected to take a year followed by four years of construction and commissioning. Construction on both projects is anticipated to begin as early as 2020.