Rehabilitation (University Avenue to 80 Avenue) and reconstruction (80 Avenue to 82 Avenue) of Gateway Boulevard is planned for 2022.

Project Update - October 2020

The Draft Concept Plan for Gateway Boulevard is ready for viewing. Proposed changes are subject to funding approval.

Key Highlights:

  • Proposed new sidewalk on the east side of the road between 80 Avenue and 82 Avenue

  • Proposed curb extensions at 82 Avenue intersection and 81 Avenue intersection

  • Proposed sidewalk widening on the west side of the road between 81 Avenue and 82 Avenue to enhance pedestrian space and provide an amenity zone for potential landscaping

    • The trade off for these features is removal of on street parking on the west side of Gateway Boulevard

What We Did

The City hosted virtual discussions about the overall concept plan with adjacent property owners and business tenants in early September 2020, and informed the Strathcona Business Improvement Area (BIA) and 3 surrounding community leagues.

The proposed plan also reflects what was heard in these meetings:

  • A drop-off zone added on Gateway Boulevard, on the west side between 81 Avenue and 82 Avenue, which will allow for commercial deliveries and pickups for businesses along Gateway Boulevard. The drop-off zone could potentially accommodate for 2 passenger vehicles, or 1 large delivery vehicle. The drop-off zone will be signed as a 15 minute loading zone 24/7.

  • Parking is an acknowledged concern. The City will continue to work with the area business association to develop parking and parking strategies in the area.

About the Project

Gateway Boulevard enters the City as Highway 2 from the City’s south corporate limit. It is the main entrance and corridor into the heart of Edmonton, including Old Strathcona, the river valley and downtown. North of 23 Avenue, the freeway portion of Gateway Boulevard ends and becomes a major arterial roadway. Between University Avenue and 79 Avenue, Gateway Boulevard is a 4-lane roadway that transitions into a 3-lane roadway north of 80 Avenue. Between 81 and 82 Avenue (Whyte Avenue), the roadway accommodates 3 lanes of traffic with a right turn lane and on-street parking on the west side.

Many previous and current studies have been conducted that impact Gateway Boulevard. Existing studies include the Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan, Strathcona Junction Area Redevelopment Plan (2012), Plan Whyte (2019) and the City Plan.

University Avenue to 80 Avenue Rehabilitation

The City has funding for the rehabilitation of Gateway Boulevard between University Avenue and 80 Avenue. The rehabilitation, tenatively scheduled in 2022, involves replacing ‘like-with like’ for the roadway, with some curb and gutter repair and some sidewalk repair.

80 Avenue and 82 Avenue Reconstruction

The City has funding available for reconstruction of Gateway Boulevard between 80 Avenue and 82 Avenue. Reconstruction, which includes opportunities for improvements, is tentatively scheduled in 2022.