A busy artery in Downtown Edmonton has been closed off to accommodate construction for the Valley Line LRT. Beginning Monday, vehicles were barred from driving on 102 Avenue between 96 and 103 Streets, a major closure that is expected to last until 2020. Crews will lay tracks on the corridor for the 13-kilometre-long southeast section of the Valley Line LRT, which will be operated and maintained by TransEd upon its opening in 2020.

Map of the closure, image via TransEd

During the work, north-south cross streets will remain open to traffic. One sidewalk along 102 Avenue will also remain open at all times, although TransEd is suggesting people use underground pedways to avoid disruptions related to construction. A drop-off zone on 99 Street south of 102 Avenue will facilitate access to the Winspear Centre and Citadel Theatre.

An empty 102 Avenue, image by Forum contributor Daveography

The road will look substantially different when it reopens. Bike lanes will be installed on the south side of the avenue, with a single eastbound lane of traffic separating them from the LRT tracks. 

The road closure will be in effect until 2020, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Valley Line LRT construction will also close 85 Street in Bonnie Doon. Beginning January 20, no traffic will be allowed on the road from the traffic circle to 88 Avenue for 18 months. The traffic circle is set to be replaced by a four-way intersection.

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