EllisDon and TransED Partners celebrate LRT opening
By Adam Freill
Construction Infrastructure P3sEdmonton’s Valley Line Southeast low-floor public light rail transit service, a P3 project, is now in operation.
(Photo courtesy of EllisDon Corporation)
The trains are running on Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast LRT line. EllisDon and its TransED Partners, along with the City of Edmonton, welcomed the commencement of the LRT passenger service earlier this month.
The system, which aims to seamlessly integrate with Edmonton’s urban landscape, makes use of an innovative, low-floor design and encompasses approximately 13 kilometres of track connecting the Mill Woods neighbourhood to the heart of downtown Edmonton.
“This milestone represents a transformative moment for Edmonton, signaling the advent of a more accessible, community-oriented, and sustainable public transit system,” said Joey Comeau, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, EllisDon Capital. “This project epitomizes dedication, vision, and collaborative effort and is set to redefine the city’s transportation landscape.”
This inaugural stage of the Valley Line Light Rail Transit system features 11 strategic neighbourhood stops, an elevated station boasting a transit centre and Park & Ride facilities, and a critical transfer point to the existing LRT routes at Churchill Stop.
Valley Line Southeast is Edmonton’s first low-floor LRT system and uses modern, low-floor, urban-styled trains designed to provide passengers with unparalleled accessibility and convenience. Street-level stops have been incorporated into the design to enhance the overall pedestrian experience. Additionally, embedded tracks within residential and commercial areas seamlessly blend with existing urban design and traffic patterns, ensuring a harmonious coexistence.
“Together, with our partners, we have delivered an exceptional project that has transformed the landscape in Edmonton,” said Brian Connolly, vice-president, EllisDon Civil. “It is with great pride that I look forward to the positive impact it will have on Edmontonians and their communities for many years to come.”
TransED Partners, through a public-private partnership (P3) with the City of Edmonton, held the responsibility of not only designing and constructing the Valley Line Southeast LRT, but also operating and maintaining this transit system until 2050. Construction began in 2016 with a project consortium consisting of EllisDon, Bechtel, Alstom, Fengate Capital Management Ltd., Arup Canada, and IBI Group.
“EllisDon Transit Services is excited to be a partner in the operations and maintenance of the Valley Line Southeast LRT,” said Jody Becker, chief strategy officer and executive vice-president, Infrastructure Services and Technology, EllisDon. “Our team is deeply committed to delivering world-class transit operations that all Edmontonions can enjoy. Valley Line Southeast will offer citizens a safe, reliable and sustainable opportunity to experience Edmonton in a brand new way.”
