City Government

City of Edmonton Apologizes for Whitemud Traffic Delay

August 24, 2011

Transportation Services General Manager Bob Boutilier apologized today for the traffic delay thousands of commuters experienced this morning at the Quesnell Bridge on Whitemud Drive.

“I hope the citizens of Edmonton will accept my sincere apologies on behalf of the City of Edmonton and the Transportation Services Department for the traffic congestion created this morning, Wednesday August 24, on Whitemud Drive between 178 Street and the Quesnell Bridge,” said Boutilier.

“Typically the paving required for the Whitemud Drive/Quesnell Bridge rehabilitation is done overnight and completed by 6am weekday mornings, when road crews are expected to finish their work and remove barricades in advance of the morning rush hour. However, a mechanical breakdown at the asphalt factory the City employs for the Quesnell rehabilitation delayed the final asphalt shipment that road crews required to finish the paving for this project.

“The delay prompted workers to continue working past the 6am deadline in an effort to finish the job. The barricades were not removed by 6am this morning, and during rush hour Whitemud Drive was reduced to a single eastbound lane approaching the Quesnell Bridge.

“The ensuing traffic congestion was extremely frustrating for thousands of Edmonton commuters. Traffic was backed up for several kilometres. Many people were inconvenienced by a lack of communication on the City’s part.

“Finishing the paving on the Quesnell Bridge project last night means that two lanes in each direction are now open and will remain unimpeded by the final stages of roadwork.

“Once again, please accept my apologies on behalf of the City and Transportation Services. We are aware of the high degree of patience we continue to request from commuters during the 2011 construction season, and we will make adjustments to ensure your patience is not abused in this fashion again.”