Two central neighbourhoods are better connected this week, after the City of Edmonton officially opening two new connections across the Capital Line LRT tracks.

New Stadium Station access at 84 Street, photo by Dave Sutherland

The first is a ground-level crossing that will allow residents of Boyle Street and Cromdale neighbourhoods to access the Stadium LRT station directly from 84 Street, bypassing the underground concourse. The crossing allows easier and more convenient access for transit riders who have a monthly pass or bus tickets (those who need to purchase their fare must still use the ticket vending machines in the underground concourse).

New LRT crossing at Muttart Crossing, photo by Dave Sutherland

The second crossing, located a bit further south, enables pedestrians and vehicles to cross the LRT between Stadium Road and the new Stadium Yards development area via Muttart Crossing - a new street named for the Muttart Lumber yards which existed the area in the early 1920s. Senior Planner Erik Backstrom indicated this new crossing is particularly beneficial to area residents who may have wanted to make use of the Commonwealth Recreation Centre, but could not do so conveniently due to the LRT tracks presenting a barrier.

Senior Planner Erik Backstrom talks about Stadium area improvements, photo by Dave Sutherland

In addition to the crossings, a new multi-use path has been constructed along the south side of the LRT line between 92 Street and 112 Avenue to improve multi-modal connections, as well as two new public parks for area residents.

New public park at Stadium Yards, photo by Dave Sutherland

These improvements are being made in conjunction with Stadium Yards, a redevelopment of the former Muttart Lumber yards into a residential Transit-Oriented Development. 

Stadium Yards under construction, photo by Dave Sutherland

Brookfield Residential completed servicing of the site earlier this year, and Rohit Communities is now building the first phase, consisting of 247 residential units in two six-story buildings, and a small commercial building that faces one of the new parks.

Rendering of Stadium Yards, image via Rohit Communities

In addition to these improvements, the City of Edmonton is expected to begin reconstruction of the Stadium LRT station itself soon. 

Rendering of Stadium Station Redevelopment, image via City of Edmonton

As reported earlier this year, the new station design seeks to improve safety and accessibility of the station for current and future residents of the area. The $30 million rebuild is fully funded, and is expected to be completed by 2022.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow the progress of these projects as they continue and build out. What do you think of the improvements to the area? Leave a comment below, or join the discussion in our forum. More information and additional images can be found in the project database entries linked below.