Timing ‘inconsiderate’ as 3 construction projects clog downtown arteries

Construction on the Valley Line West LRT project has closed Stony Plain Road and 124 Street. (CTV News Edmonton/Nav Sangha)

While an influx of traffic bustles throughout downtown Edmonton during the Oilers Stanley Cup Final, three construction projects are making it unpleasant.

“There is no avenue from west Edmonton to downtown that is not severely compromised in its capacity,” said Ward pihêsiwin councillor Tim Cartmell at city hall Thursday.

Three projects, one for the Valley Line West LRT expansion along 104 Avenue and Stony Plain Road, another for the Imagine Jasper Avenue project from 114 Street to 117 Street, and temporary closures along 107 Avenue, are making it difficult for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians to get around.

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Cartmell said he was assured by city administration multiple times that 107 Avenue would be fully open during downtown construction, but sections are reduced to one lane of traffic both ways from 122 Street to 101 Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The second-term councillor said he’s been consistently asking questions about how construction projects are sequenced, especially with LRT expansion.

“You get assurances that they’ve modeled the traffic, that they’re going to maintain capacity, but clearly they haven’t paid attention to what people really want to see from their city,” said Cartmell. “It’s enormously frustrating”

While the Oilers head into Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, Cartmell is worried the downtown construction might deter people from returning to the core.

“If we’re trying to get people to come to Edmonton … that starts with activating our core,” said Cartmell. “And yet it seems that it does not find its way into the decision making level at the City of Edmonton.”

“If (people) come down here for a game and they see how hard it is to get here, they’re going to think twice about coming back.”

Cartmell said he hasn’t gotten an answer from city administration after asking why they decided to give the green light for three simultaneous construction projects downtown.

A statement from the City of Edmonton said it understands construction can be disruptive, but it works to coordinate projects to minimize impacts where possible.

“Projects and timelines are prioritized based on infrastructure condition, safety and functionality, along with available funding,” said the statement. “While construction activity may overlap in areas, it’s important to remember that Edmonton has a short construction season.”

Pankaj Sor, owner of The Cabin on Jasper Ave and 116 Street has had to sacrifice his south-facing patio while machines chipped away at the road and sidewalk.

“It’s really very upsetting,” said Sor in front of his pub. “There is no support from the city.”

Sor had to pay out of pocket to remove the patio and will have to pay to put it back in once the project is complete.

He said no compensation has been offered to the businesses affected by road and sidewalk closures.

“I’m thankful to our regulars,” said Sor, adding that the Oilers are keeping them busy despite the unsightly trench and barricades at the front of his business.

But lunch sales have declined about 20 per cent since construction began two months ago. The project is expected to wrap up in mid-July, but Sor won’t be surprised if it takes longer.

Kayla Cunday, a student in the Wîhkwêntôwin area said it’s been difficult to get around.

“I feel like the timing was inconsiderate of those of us who have to be down here all day everyday,” said Cunday, adding that it’s particularly difficult for people with physical disabilities to get around when there are so many sidewalk and road closures.

“It feels congested, there’s already a lot happening, then with all of this construction it’s been a little bit infuriating.”

Jasper Avenue construction is expected to wrap up in 2027 with work pausing during the winter months. The project will be done in sections with the 114 Street to 117 Street stretch wrapping up this year.

The Valley Line West project is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Closure to 124 Street and Stony Plain Road is expected to open next week.

The city says the 107 Avenue Revitalization will be finished this year.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nav Sangha