The N.E. LRT extension to Saddle Ridge will bring CTrain service from the McKnight-Westwinds station to Saddletowne Circle. This addition to the northeast LRT line will support an estimated 8,000 daily passengers when it opens in the fall of 2012.
In November 2007, City Council approved the N.E. LRT extension to Saddle Ridge. This is the second extension of the northeast line in recent years and will support the growing demand of both the business and residential communities in Calgary's northeast.
The first extension to McKnight-Westwinds started in 2004 and opened for service in 2007.
Construction of the N.E. LRT extension to Saddle Ridge started in the summer of 2009. This project is schedules to be finished and open for revenue service in Fall of 2012.
Project update
As construction activities are taking place within the communities of Martindale and Saddle Ridge, pedestrians and commuters are asked to be aware of heavy equipment movement and to stay out of the right-of-way. This is now an active construction zone, for safety purposes, people are asked to stay away from the area.
Project scope
In order to suport the growing demand of both the business and residential communities in the northeast, the N.E. LRT is being extended to Saddle Ridge. This extension includes:
- Two new stations (Martindale and Saddletowne)
- Bus transfer facility with nine bus bays and Park 'n' Ride for approximately 130 vehicles at Saddletowne
- Approximately 2.9 km of track from McKnight-Westwinds CTrain Station to the Saddletowne Station
- Grade separation of the LRT line across 64 Avenue N.E.
64 Avenue/Métis Trail Interchange
In the early stages of this project it was deemed necessary to separate the LRT system from traffic on 64 Avenue N.E.. The City is constructing this grade separation and construction will be taking place in 2010 and carrying into 2011.
The new traffic alignment went into operation in late 2010 with the majority of the intersection in operation. Two turning lanes/ramps are still under construction and are expected to be complete by the spring of 2011.
Construction beyond grade separation between the LRT and 64 Avenue N.E. at this location is outside the scope of the N.E. LRT extension to Saddle Ridge project. The City is moving forward on the designs of the Métis Trail and construction is scheduled to start on an extension between 80 Avenue and 96 Avenue in 2010. Learn more about the Métis Trail extension project.
Safety
Calgary Transit has implemented a number of initiatives to further improve the safety, security and cleanliness of the transit system. Each of these will be included as part of the LRT extension to Saddle Ridge. For more information, please visit Calgary Transit.
The station in Martindale will be built as a split side loading station, with a platform on either side of Martindale Boulevard. This increases safety as trains approaching the roadway will have just stopped at the station prior to crossing Martindale Boulevard.
The City is working with the community school to educate children on issues of safety and the LRT. This includes safe behaviour around the construction site and, once finished, around LRT crossings and at CTrain stations.
Communication/Engagement
Since 2007, the engagement process for this project has been ongoing and includes several information sessions, community meetings and open houses.
Additionally, a Community Consultation Committee (CCC) has been formed and discusses the topics of station appearance, screeningwalls, landscaping, LRT traffic-related issues and neighbourhood parking.
The CCC is comprised of residents from Martindale, Saddle Ridge and Taradale. There is also representation from Crossing Park School. During the initial stages of engagement with the CCC, they met with an architect to provide community perspective on the preliminary design of the two stations.
The CCC continues to be involved throughout the entire project to continually represent the values of the residents within communities directly impacted by the LRT extension and the construction.
Residents wishing provide input on the project are encouraged to contact the CCC through the participating community associations or to call 3-1-1.
Based on community feedback, the following topics have been identified as the top concerns related to this project:
Noise
A noise analysis has been completed. Sound attenuation is warranted in some areas and will be incorporated along the edge of the right-of-way. Screening wall heights will vary, but will generally be two metres high.
Regional pathway
For safety reasons, TI is recommending the mid-block crossing of the pathway, north of Martindale Blvd. be relocated.
More information
Project details will be updated regularly. Please keep checking back. For more information, please fill out the online form or call 3-1-1.
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