Edmonton officials: construction season on track with 270 projects underway

EDMONTON—Edmonton officials gave an update on the 2021 construction season that has 270 projects underway.

Officials noted crews have been working incredibly hard during the year, especially in the city’s downtown core.

“We are currently in the midst of a massive infrastructure build with over 270 projects on the go,” said Adam Laughlin, deputy city manager of integrated infrastructure services, in a statement. “With all of these projects underway, we want to remind Edmontonians to prepare for construction on their commute. A great way to do this is by visiting our website to pinpoint the traffic disruptions in the city.”

Crews are busy converting Yellowhead Trail into a freeway, widening Terwillegar Drive, improving Jasper Avenue, building the new Valley Line West LRT and revitalizing parks and neighbourhoods.

“We know that construction season can be disruptive and we appreciate people’s understanding and support as we continue to improve our city,” noted Laughlin. “We know that the pandemic impacted our downtown. We’re creating the conditions for a vibrant downtown throughout our COVID-19 recovery and into the future. That’s why we are continuing to invest in the heart of our city.”

Some of the more significant projects underway in the downtown core include construction on the Valley Line West and Valley Line Southeast LRT, enhancements to Jasper Avenue, Kinistinâw Park and 105 Avenue.

“These projects not only help us economically by creating good jobs at a time when they are desperately needed, but also set our city up for success in the future,” said Laughlin.

Crews are renewing more than 110 kilometres of local roadway and sidewalk, reconstructing 11 kilometres of alley, paving 30 kilometres of gravel roads, and building or renewing 13 playgrounds.

The city noted that 81 per cent of the 2021 construction projects are on time and 92 per cent are on budget. The city completed 199 projects during the 2020 construction season, making it one of the most successful seasons to date. The city expects to achieve a similar result this season.