Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast LRT set to open Nov. 4

Canuck October 24, 2023 News/Canada/Edmonton

Edmonton’s long-awaited Valley Line Southeast LRT line is set to open for passenger service on Nov. 4.

The City of Edmonton and TransEd, the public-private partnership behind the project, made the announcement Tuesday.

The $1.8 billion project — a 13-kilometre, low-floor line that links Mill Woods, in the city’s southeast, to downtown — was supposed to open nearly three years ago, in December 2020.

Final operational exercises will be conducted by TransEd over the next few weeks ahead of the launch, the city said, as well as completing final work on curbs, landscaping and maintenance.

Delays aside, are Edmonton drivers ready for the new Valley Line?

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Featured VideoMotorists and pedestrians alike are already struggling with the new Southeast Valley Line LRT, resulting in a series of collisions across the city. Emily Fitzpatrick took a look at the trouble spots and tracked down two experts to get their tips on navigating the new line.

A formal grand opening ceremony will be held in 2024, said the news release.

“I know many Edmontonians have been looking forward to opening day for the better part of two decades. Valley Line Southeast will offer an affordable and climate-friendly choice to move around our city for decades to come,” Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said in the news release.

Ronald Joncas, the CEO of TransEd said he was excited to welcome passengers to the new link.

“This has been a long journey, with challenges and detours, but we’re confident in the system we’ve built,” Joncas said.

“Our focus has always been, and will continue to be, delivering a safe, reliable system to Edmontonians.”

A map. — The new Valley Line Southeast LRT route stretches 13 kilometres from downtown Edmonton to Mill Woods. (TransEd)

The project has faced numerous setbacks during the construction.

In August 2022, cracks were found in numerous concrete piers that support elevated sections of track.

In June, TransEd said that signalling cables along the entire route needed to be replaced before the line can go into operation.

TransEd is a partnership of companies that includes Fengate Capital Management, Bechtel, Ellis-Don, and Bombardier. Other key team members include Transdev, ARUP, and IBI Group.

Operating hours at the new line will match those of the Capital and Metro lines:

From the 102nd Street stop, service will begin at 5:15 a.m. seven days a week.
From the Mill Woods stop, service will begin at 5:00 a.m. Monday – Friday, and at 5:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Final trains depart 102nd Street stop and Mill Woods stop at 1 a.m. Monday – Saturday, and at 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

Soil cells support tree growth along Edmonton’s newest LRT route

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Featured VideoThe Valley Line LRT landscaping project has been a huge undertaking for the city, boasting 2,000 trees, more 7,000 shrubs and 120,000 grasses and perennials, all supported by a trenched infrastructure to help trees grow faster and healthier.

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