Though reported to be 30 percent behind schedule, it's difficult not to notice the visual progression of the Valley Line LRT construction taking place through the southeast of the city and downtown. Our Forum members have certainly taken notice, sharing photos of various parts of the line; below are some recent updates on some of the more significant aspects of the project.
Located just north of Whitemud Drive, the Gerry Wright Operations and Management Facility (OMF) appears to be nearly complete in photos by Forum contributor Kaizen. The OMF is where the low-floor Light Rail Vehicles for the Valley Line LRT will be stored when not in service, as well as cleaned and maintained.
The final bridge segment over Argyll Road was lifted into place earlier this month. Captured also by Kaizen, the new bridge will carry trains over Argyll Road connecting the line between Avonmore Stop and the elevated Davies Station.
Construction of the 98 Avenue overpass near Muttart Stop has progressed continually, with one final segment remaining to be lifted in place. The lift is scheduled to take place the night of November 30.
Construction on the Tawatinâ Bridge across the North Saskatchewan River has progressed significantly in the last few months, with the tower approaching its final height of 50 metres above the river, and bridge segments now extending outward from the structure.
Construction on the bridge was delayed significantly after crews found an unexpected concrete mass beneath the riverbed, requiring a revision to the design of the bridge.
In The Quarters, a large cistern has been constructed east of 97 Street. The cistern is designed to collect and hold stormwater in the event of heavy rainfall, protecting the nearby tunnel section from flooding. The cistern is complete and the right-of-way is now being brought back up to grade, with railbed installation soon to follow.
Delivery of the Flexity Freedom Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) from Bombardier continues, including one new vehicle spotted at the CN yard on 156 Street and Yellowhead Trail.
When complete, the Valley Line LRT will whisk Edmontonians across 13 kilometers of track, making 11 stops in total. The next extension, continuing the line from downtown to West Edmonton Mall, is fully planned and currently out for tender. The west extension may be delayed, however, as provincial funding is currently in question.
SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow the progress of the line as it progresses. Do you have photos of the project to share? Join our Forum and share them for the world to see! More information and images can also be found in our project Database, and of course, let us know what you think of the Valley Line LRT in the comments below!
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