The LRT extension to Saddle Ridge is the second extension of the northeast line since 1985. It will support the growing demand of both the business and residential communities in the northeast.
Project update
Construction of the Northeast LRT Extension to Saddle Ridge was set to commence in spring 2009. This project was on schedule when the economic down turn struck and the City was forced to re-evaluate certain programs moving ahead.
The extension of the northeast LRT system to Saddle Ridge will now proceed and construction has commenced. Activities to be undertaken in 2009 include the removal of dirt in the right-of-way and construction of retaining and sound walls.
These activities will take 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.
The project will be finished and open for revenue service in 2012.
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. In June 2008, Council approved $55 million to build an interchange at 64 Avenue N.E. and Métis Trail to mitigate traffic interruptions that could be caused by the operation of the LRT from McKnight-Westwinds to Saddle Ridge
Due to the present economic conditions and immediate need to improve mobility along Métis Trail, TI has recommended grade separation between the LRT and 64 Avenue still be provided, the extension of Métis Trail be expedited and the interchange at 64 Avenue and Métis Trail be postponed.
The City is progressing on the designs of these projects and details will follow in fall of 2009.
Construction at the intersection of 64 Avenue and Métis Trail will commence in 2010. Until construction is complete, the existing detour will be maintained.
Project scope
The LRT extension to Saddle Ridge is the second extension of the northeast line since 1985. It will support the growing demand of both the business and residential communities in the northeast.
- Two new stations (Martindale and Saddle Ridge).
- Bus transfer facility with nine bus bays and Park and Ride for approximately 120 vehicles in Saddle Ridge.
- Approximately 2.9 km of track from McKnight-Westwinds CTrain Station to the terminal station in Saddle Ridge.
- Grade separation of the LRT line across 64 Avenue N.E.
Project timeline
2007
- November: City Council approved construction of the new Northeast LRT Extension to Saddle Ridge.
- December: Adjacent residents meeting and public information session to discuss initial project details, obtain feedback and display project details.
2008
- May: Community Consultation Committee meetings begin.
- June: Begin detailed design of 64 Avenue N.E./Metis Trail interchange and both LRT stations. Begin construction of detour for interchange.
- October: Complete detour construction.
- October: Public information session.
2009
- April: Present station design to Calgary Planning Commission.
- Summer: Remove dirt in the right-of-way. Retaining wall and sound wall construction. Finalize station design.
2010
- Winter: Complete sound wall construction.
Construction of grade separation of LRT and 64 Ave N.E.
- Fall: Complete grade separation.
2012
- Anticipated completion of LRT station and track.
Public involvement
The public consultation process for this project is underway. Several information sessions and community meetings have been held.
Information Session display boards
The next public information session will take place in fall 2009. Please watch for notification signs in the community for date, time and location.
A Community Consultation Committee (CCC) has been formed to address station appearance, landscaping, public art, LRT/traffic-related issues, and neighbourhood parking. The CCC will also provide input on the appearance of sound/screening walls along the LRT right-of-way. The CCC and GEC Architecture have conducted a visioning process to discuss station design concepts.
The CCC is comprised of residents from Martindale, Saddle Ridge and Taradale. Residents wishing to provide input on the project are encouraged to contact the CCC through the participating community associations.
Martindale: marindale_community@yahoo.ca
Saddle Ridge: saddleridgecommunity@shaw.ca
Taradale: taradaleccc@shaw.ca
Based on community feedback, the following topics have been identified as the top concerns related to this project:
|
Community Concern |
Study Results/Recommendations |
| 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. Noise wall heights will vary, but will generally be 2 metres high. The project will also include visual screening along some sections of the right-of-way. Please click here to view the proposed sound wall designs. |
|
Safety at Martindale Station |
The station in Martindale will be built as a split side-loading station with two platforms on either side of Martindale Blvd. This configuration requires trains to come to a full stop prior to crossing Martindale Blvd., thereby increasing safety for vehicles and pedestrians. |
| 64 Avenue Crossing |
In June 2008, Council approved $55 million to build an interchange at 64 Avenue N.E. and Métis Trail. A detour was built in 2008 to facilitate the start of interchange construction in 2009. |
| Regional Pathway |
For safety reasons, TI is recommending the mid-block crossing of the pathway, north of Martindale Blvd. be relocated. |
Project 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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