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Metro Line - Northwest Extension

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Construction on the Metro Line Northwest (NAIT to Blatchford) started in summer 2020.

Blatchford Station Aerial View

Blatchford Station Street View

NAIT Station Aerial View

The Metro Line Northwest LRT is part of the draft City Plan vision. Extending the current line will improve mobility and access to existing and new neighbourhoods in the north and northwest areas of the city.

About the Project

The Metro Line Northwest corridor will extend the existing line from NAIT, through Blatchford, then north to 113A street where it will connect to key activity centres including Greisbach. The line will continue north along 113A street until the proposed transit centre at 153 avenue, and then west where it will end at the Campbell Road Park and Ride.

Metro Line: Northwest Extension Map

The extension will help reduce travel times as the city grows and vehicle congestion increases. It will provide Edmontonians and St. Albert residents with a sustainable, efficient and reliable mobility choice. It will connect people to key destinations in the city, such as NAIT, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, major developments including Blatchford and Griesbach, services, shopping areas, workplaces and the city centre.

The Metro Line expansion will occur in 3 phases:

Phase 1 – NAIT to Blatchford
Phase 2 – Blatchford to Castle Downs
Phase 3 – Castle Downs to Campbell Road

Phase 1 of the Metro Line has started construction. City Council has identified extending Phase 2 of the Metro Line to Castle Downs as the next LRT Network priority following the Capital Line South LRT Phase 1 (Century Park to Ellerslie Road) extension.

Building the Northwest LRT is part of the vision of the draft City Plan. Because land use and transportation are closely linked, LRT growth will be guided by the principle of Transit Oriented Development. Its goal is to create compact neighbourhoods with a mixture of residential, employment, recreational and business opportunities within convenient walking distance of transit.

You can learn more about the Metro Line Phase 1 project from the Business Case summary.

Phase Two Extension Preliminary Design

This animated video showcases the updated designs for Phase 2 of the Metro Line Northwest extension from Blatchford to Campbell Road, which incorporates feedback from Edmontonians. The project will move forward when funding becomes available.

Style of LRT

The Metro Line extension will combine both an urban and suburban style. Utilizing a high-floor train, certain portions of the alignment will be incorporated into communities while other segments will run through suburban areas.

The high-floor train operates similar to the low-floor style with the main difference being higher station platforms. Landscaping and architectural features will be incorporated into the design to minimize intrusion and maximize the openness of space to create a safe environment.

The Metro Line extension will be mainly at street level, although going above or below ground will be required at key intersections and for crossing the CN Walker Rail Yard. This preliminary design was approved by City Council in January 2019.

Where We Are

April 2020 Update

The City has selected PCL Construction to provide construction management services for Phase 1 of the Metro Line LRT extension (NAIT to Blatchford). The City’s Evaluation Committee reviewed 3 shortlisted teams before selecting PCL to deliver the project (see Industry Bulletin).

On January 22, 2019, City Council approved the concept plan amendments to Phase 2 and 3 of the Metro Line LRT extension from Blatchford to Campbell Road. The City has completed preliminary design of Phase 2 and 3 of the LRT extension. Those projects will move forward when funding becomes available.

Upcoming Construction

Construction activities on the Metro Line to Blatchford started in summer 2020, with the extension expected to open in 2024/2025. Construction work for 2020 includes:

Site preparations at the future Llew Lawrence LRV storage facility in the Montrose neighbourhood
109 Street realignment between Princess Elizabeth Avenue and 118 Avenue
Jefferson Armoury parking lot modifications
Underground utility works