Metro Line - Northwest Extension

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

Call for Indigenous Artists
The Edmonton Arts Council (EAC), on behalf of the City of Edmonton, is seeking an Indigenous artist or artist team to create an artwork to be installed in a pocket park as part of the Metro Line LRT Extension at NAIT. Deadline for Request for Qualifications is October 3, 2023.

For additional details on this public art opportunity, please visit the Edmonton Arts Council.

Dynamic Clearance Envelope testing at NAIT/Blatchford Market Station

Solar panel installation at NAIT/Blatchford Market Station

NAIT/Blatchford Market Station Utility Complex

Construction of a shared-use-pathway at 123 and 118 Avenue

The Metro Line Northwest LRT is part of the 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 Griesbach.

The line will continue north along 113A street until the proposed Castle Downs Transit Centre at 153 avenue, and then west where it will end at the Nakî Transit Centre & Park and Ride at Campbell Road. It will feature 9 transit centres.

The Metro Line expansion will occur in 3 phases:

Phase 1 – NAIT to Blatchford (Under Construction)
Phase 2 - Blatchford to Castle Downs (funded for land acquisition)
Phase 3 – Castle Downs to Campbell Road

Transit Oriented Developments are encouraged along LRT corridors to support City’s goal 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 .

Metro Line NW LRT Booklet (20MB)

Note: All images and renderings remain subject to change and are not final. Final designs will be shared publicly when complete.

Phase One Extension Preliminary Design

This animated video showcases the updated designs for the Metro Line NW extension which incorporates feedback from Edmontonians.

Environment and Sustainability

The Metro Line is undertaking additional sustainable initiatives:

Power for the two LRT stations in Blatchford will be supplied primarily by solar panels mounted on the canopies.
The stations’ utility buildings will be connected to the Blatchford community’s District Energy Sharing System, which uses renewable energy sources for heating, cooling and producing hot water.

Metro Line NW Phase One - Solar Panel Installations

Construction

Construction on the Metro Line to Blatchford started in 2020. The extension is anticipated to open in 2024. Construction work for 2023 will include:

Work on the interiors and exteriors of the NAIT and Blatchford Utility complexes
Work on the unique “transit mall” in Blatchford which includes a pedestrian sidewalk and commuter cycle track running adjacent to the LRT tracks
Installation of solar panels at the NAIT and Blatchford Stations
Installation of the remaining Overhead Catenary System poles that will supply power to the trains
The installation of LRT signals, traffic signals, sidewalks, Shared Use Path (SUP), and landscaping

2023 Project Milestones and Accomplishments

Concrete trackway completed
Rail installation completed
OCS poles and wires installed & commissioned
Solar panels installed at the Blatchford Market/Gate Stations
Fence posts have been installed
Trees planted alongside trackway
Pavement removals and underground utilities are complete, and new streetlights are being installed prior to construction of a new Shared-Use Pathway

Construction Notice

Construction Notice - Shared-Use Pathway - May 2, 2023

Phase Two and Three Extension Preliminary Design

This video showcases the updated designs (2019) for Phase 2 & 3 of the Metro Line NW extension from Blatchford to Campbell Road. $20 million dollars has been approved to acquire land for Phase 2 as part of the Capital 2023-26 Budget.

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 trains with the main difference being the location of equipment is below the floor, resulting in 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 to cross busier intersections and the CN Walker Rail Yard. This preliminary design was approved by City Council in January 2019.