EDMONTON — The City of Edmonton is touting a full slate of construction during the summer months despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently 94 per cent of the city’s construction projects are on budget and 84 per cent are on schedule, explains a news release.
“Despite the challenges that a busy construction season can bring, especially with the added pressures of the pandemic, we’ve continued working safely for Edmonton’s future, maintaining and improving our city,” City of Edmonton acting deputy city manager Jason Meliefste said in a statement.
“Robust and healthy infrastructure is critical to a safe and healthy Edmonton. A city of one million people depends on the work we are doing across transportation, neighbourhoods, parks, facilities and LRT, and that is why it was so important to keep this work moving forward.”
Capital projects underway include the Yellowhead Trail, which is being widened to three lanes in each direction from 61 Street to the North Saskatchewan River. Crews are also boring drainage pipes with an auger machine directly below Yellowhead Trail. Eastbound widening is anticipated to be complete in 2021 with the majority of the westbound work finishing later this year. The conversion of the Yellowhead Trail into a freeway is slated for 2027.
Work continues on the Groat Road Bridge, which is scheduled for completion by the end of fall 2020 and the Kâhasinîskâk Bridge has been lifted into place over Connors Road. Crews continue to finalize the installation, the release said.
The Valley Line West LRT is being prepared for full construction next year with crews completing utility relocations and building removal to accommodate new infrastructure. Shelter structures will soon be installed for Valley Line Southeast stops.
The Metro Line Northwest Extension Phase 1 from NAIT to Blatchford began construction in June.
Work has also begun on the Stadium Station redevelopment project which is expected to be complete by January 2022.
“We understand that the impacts of construction have been felt differently this year, with many more Edmontonians spending their days at home and off the roads. As much as possible, the city has been working to minimize the impacts to citizens and keep them informed. Construction season can be a massive and disruptive undertaking, and we really appreciate people’s understanding and support, now more than ever, as work is underway to improve our city for the future,” Meliefste said.
With fewer commuters, crews have been able to tend to more locations with potholes. More than 309,905 pothole and asphalt repairs have been carried out in 2020.
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