By Ashley Karen
On November 4, Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast light rail route was inaugurated, driving 13·1 km from 102 Street in the city center to Mill Woods.
The project forms part of the city’s program to expand accessible, convenient, and sustainable travel options, with a target of 50% of trips being made by public or active transport.
TransEd Partners consortium has constructed the line under a PPP contract, which covers design, construction, financing, and 30 years of operation and maintenance.
The consortium incorporates Bechtel, EllisDon, Alstom, and Fengate Capital Management Ltd, supported by Arup Canada and IBI Group.
In February 2016, financial close was called, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place two months later when opening had been scheduled for late 2020.
Alstom delivered 26 low-floor light rail vehicles from its Kingston, Ontario factory in 2018-21 as successor to original consortium member Bombardier Transportation. The LRVs have space for wheelchair users and bicycles, plus priority seats near all the doors.
In addition, Alstom has a bulk share in the JV responsible for operations and maintenance on behalf of TransEd; Alstom said this represents the first light rail line where it is involved in the entire O&M scope.
Also, London Trackwork supplied track comprising turnouts and crossovers.
There are 11 street-level and one elevated stop, containing a 1300-space Park & Ride site at Davies. These places feature heated shelters, open-sight lines, emergency phones, and CCTV.
The line contains the Tawatinâ Bridge across the North Saskatchewan River, a short tunnel from the north face of the River Valley through to the Quarters redevelopment, and an interchange with the current Metro and Capital LRT lines at Churchill Square.
There are 13 works of art along the route as part of the city’s public art policy, containing glass, sculptures, a mosaic, and a series of paintings.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, ahead of the opening, pointed out: “I know many Edmontonians have been looking forward to opening day for the better part of two decades,”
“Valley Line Southeast will offer an affordable and climate-friendly choice to move around our city for decades to come.”
Ronald Joncas, TransEd Partners CEO, also stated: “This has been a long journey, with challenges and detours, but we’re confident in the system we’ve built.”
