Project Profile: Edmonton’s Valley Line West LRT

The Valley Line West is a 14-kilometre, low-floor Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension designed to significantly enhance Edmonton’s public transport network. This critical infrastructure project will connect the downtown core to the city’s western communities, integrating advanced low-floor vehicle technology to improve accessibility and service frequency. The extension is a key component of Edmonton’s City Plan for sustainable urban growth and transit-oriented development.

Technical Specifications

The Valley Line West LRT extension features a primarily at-grade alignment, integrating with existing road networks to create a seamless urban transit system. The project’s major structural components include two significant elevated structures: an elevated station at the West Edmonton Mall transit centre and another at the Misericordia Community Hospital. Additionally, key bridge structures are being constructed over Groat Road and Anthony Henday Drive to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. The system will operate with low-floor vehicles, which provide step-free boarding from station platforms, drastically improving accessibility for all passengers. The project is delivered under a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model, where Marigold Infrastructure Partners is responsible for the design, build, finance, operations, and maintenance, ensuring long-term performance and accountability.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Network Expansion: The 14 km extension creates a vital east-west transit spine across Edmonton, connecting key residential areas, commercial hubs like West Edmonton Mall, and major institutions with the city’s downtown core.
• Economic and Community Catalyst: The project is a major economic driver, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs during its construction and operational phases, while fostering transit-oriented development and increasing property values along its corridor.
• Modern, Accessible Transit: By utilizing low-floor LRT technology, the line offers superior accessibility compared to traditional high-floor systems, promoting inclusive public transport and contributing to the city’s sustainability goals by reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Valley Line West LRT open?

The Valley Line West LRT project is progressing through its final construction stages. The City of Edmonton anticipates a phased opening, with full passenger service expected to commence in 2028, pending successful system integration and safety testing.

Who is building the Valley Line West LRT?

The project is being designed and constructed by Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP). MIP is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies selected by the City of Edmonton to deliver the project through a competitive Public-Private Partnership (P3) agreement.