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Narrow lanes with construction and barriers, even a couple of signs that say ‘slow down my mom is working’. Depending on the day, you might see none or very little workers building the Valley Line on Stony Plain Road.
One Edmonton city councillor has an idea to make lrt construction in his ward more efficient.
“That seems to be the part of the project that I would’ve expected to have gone the smoothest,” said Andrew Knack, councillor, Ward Nakota Isga.
Short-term pain for long-term gain, that’s what councillor knack believes is the solution to frustration with the Valley Line West construction. Knack says the road work that will separate the lanes on Stony Plain Road to make room for the tracks in the middle was supposed to be done by the end of 2024.
“I think if nothing were to change for 2025, so if we take the same approach. I’m not sure the road work gets completed by the end of 2025. And so that means potentially two more construction seasons like this,” said Knack.
Knack will be presenting a solution at City Hall in February. Recommending closing certain segments of the road instead of keeping a lane open in each direction, which also requires 24/7 shifts.
“The answer to this question may require some bigger short-term changes. That could include 24/7 work. It could include closing down certain segments of the road instead of keeping a lane open in each direction while crews try to work in between,” said Knack.
Business leaders on Stony Plain Road have long shared their frustration with the ongoing construction but have some concerns about knack’s plan.
“I think it’s important that the city ask for some qualifications from Marigold to ensure that they have the labour force to do 24 hours a day. And that they have the ability to ensure a safe working environment to do that,” said Todd Janes, Executive Director at Stony Plain Business Association.
They’ve been dealing with construction for 45 months now. Janes says businesses near construction have lost anywhere from 25 to 45 per cent of their customers.
“I think there needs to be something rather than say ‘okay go ahead with that,’ and then they close a section for two weeks and then it becomes two months, that is totally unacceptable,” said Janes.
Marigold, responsible for the Valley Line West, understands the construction frustration, but says the line is now at 34 per cent complete.
In a statement, saying:
“As we move into the upcoming construction season, we’re working with the city on ways to expedite work in 2025, including significant roadway. Additional information will be available in early February.”
Construction on the line is expected to continue until 2028 only then, can they begin testing trains on the tracks.