Blue Line LRT Extension

Priority Capital Projects The Blue Line Northeast LRT Extension

The Blue Line extension will  connect Saddletowne Station to future 88th Ave NE Station running along the west side of 60th St NE.. The extension also provides a critical transfer point to connect the Blue Line LRT to the Calgary International Airport through the proposed Airport Transit Line.

Project update - April 2026

Beginning in April, we will be conducting field investigations along 88 Avenue N.E. to support the design of the Blue Line LRT from Saddletowne Station to the future 88 Avenue N.E. Station. This work is expected to continue through late May 2026.

These investigations will inform the design of the extension. Work will include drilling geotechnical holes to assess ground conditions and groundwater levels, as well as surveying site details to support design development. Residents and businesses in the area may notice periodic equipment noise during daytime hours and drilling equipment staged within the project area.

Work will take place Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with occasional Saturday work if required. All activities will occur within public property. No traffic impacts, parking disruptions or tree removals are anticipated.

The City is committed to completing this work efficiently while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.

Project Timeline

Engineering design: Started in spring 2024

Begin construction: To be confirmed

Contact us

Questions? Email the project team at LRTBlueLine@calgary.ca

Project overview

The Blue Line Northeast LRT extension to 88 Avenue has been identified as a priority project within RouteAhead, Calgary's 30-year strategic transit plan, approved by City Council. This extension aims to enhance transit accessibility for high- density northeast Calgary communities while facilitating smoother travel with the creation of a transfer station between the Blue Line and the Airport Terminal.

This extension is pivotal in integrating the North Central and Northeast Calgary workforces with one of the region's largest employment hubs, ensuring seamless connectivity through accessible transit. The extension also serves as a critical transfer point, linking the Blue Line LRT to the Calgary International Airport via the Airport Transit Connection.

Project area

Click to enlarge image

Project features

  • 1 km extension from Saddletowne Station to 88th Ave. N.E. and 60th St. N.E.
  • 1 new station
  •  Future connection to Calgary International Airport via the Airport Transit Line

Project background

Planning for the  Blue Line NE LRT extension started in 2012 extending the line with stops at 88 Avenue N.E., Country Hills Boulevard, 128 Avenue N.E. and Stonegate. The extension is identified in Route Ahead Long-Term Strategic Plans - RouteAhead (calgarytransit.com) as project that is ready to proceed to the next stage of design. The City and the Government of Alberta have allocated $24.6 million and $2 million, respectively, for project design between 2024 and 2027.

On February 29, 2024, the Government of Alberta announced an allocation of $43.3 million over three years in new construction funding for expanding the Blue Line LRT.

From September to December 2024, the City conducted field investigations to support the design of the NE LRT Extension from Saddletowne Station to the future 88th Avenue N.E. Station. These investigations spanned areas from the south end of Saddletowne Circle N.E. to Airport Trail, covering both sides of 60th Street N.E. and surrounding Saddletowne Circle.

The work involved drilling geotechnical holes to assess ground conditions for planned infrastructure, including noise walls, retaining walls, foundations, buildings, roadways, and train tracks. Select holes near the future 88th Avenue N.E. Station are being used for groundwater monitoring. Noise monitoring was also conducted to identify locations where sound barriers may be necessary, while utility surveys involved exposing and recording elevations of underground utilities to ensure accuracy.

Benefits to Calgarians

  • Usage

    Estimated 10,800 passengers per weekday

  • Reduced Emissions

    Saves up to 1,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year

  • Job Creation

    Estimated 771 regional jobs during construction

  • Improved mobility

    Estimated 11,000 Calgarians living within 800m of the station in 2048

    Estimated 1,200 jobs within 800m of the station in 2028

  • Service Enhancements

    Serves new and developing communities and will be the transfer station between the Blue Line and Airport Transit Line

    Improves travel time and reliability converting from bus to LRT.

Budget

The extension of the Blue Line LRT from the Saddletowne Station to the new station at 88th Avenue N.E. is funded through contributions from the Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.

Other transit projects

  • Green Line

    The new Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is an important expansion to Calgary's transit network. The first phase will add 17.2 kilometres of track and 12 stations, connecting the southeast to downtown.

  • 17th Avenue S.E. Extension & Victoria Park / Stampede Station Rebuild

    As part of the Rivers District Master Plan, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is leading the 17th Avenue S.E. Extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild project. This project will connect Stampede Park to the Beltline; it is being run and funded by CMLC.

  • North Central Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

    We're making improvements to current transit services and amenities while preparing for the future Green Line LRT.

Related information