Project Update - October 2019
Thank you for participating in the engagement process over the past year. We are now sharing the final concept for what will be built at Yellowhead Trail and 66 Street beginning in 2024.
Concept Plan: Partial Interchange - 66 Street Flyover (Overpass)
see larger view
see detailed concept plan map
A short list of 3 design options were selected for further study and evaluation, and were shared for public input in June 2019 to help determine the preferred concept.
The outcome of the study is a concept plan for a partial interchange at 66 Street with a flyover (overpass) over Yellowhead Trail, constructed with a combination of slopes and retaining walls. It includes access from 66 Street to Yellowhead Trail eastbound via a new ramp. The new 61 Street/125 Avenue connection will provide Yellowhead Trail westbound access.
This plan maintains the north-south connection for motorists, as well as a shared-use path on the west side for those who walk or cycle. This was presented as Option 2B in June 2019.
Highlights:
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Constructed using both retaining walls and landscaped slopes to minimize cost and visual impact
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Provides access to Yellowhead Trail eastbound from both 66 Street northbound and southbound via new ramp
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Provides westbound access onto and off of Yellowhead Trail at the new 61 Street/125 Avenue collector road.
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Includes closure of all streets, alleys and driveways along Yellowhead Trail between 68 Street and 62 Street
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Includes closure of 122 Avenue both east and west at 66 Street
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Provides new shared-use path along the west side of 66 Street for pedestrian and cycle connections across Yellowhead Trail
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Requires changes to some area business accesses
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Requires some private property along 66 Street
About the Project Area
The City launched a concept planning study for the removal of the signalized intersection at Yellowhead Trail and 66 Street and the closure of the nearby accesses to Yellowhead Trail.
The study included:
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Reviewing the removal of the 66 Street traffic signals
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Reviewing the closure of other nearby accesses to Yellowhead Trail between 68 Street and 62 Street
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Determining how these changes affect area traffic flow to and from Yellowhead Trail and area properties
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Providing new solutions for the roadway network to ensure safe and reliable operation
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Reviewing locations for future pedestrian and cyclist connectivity opportunities
A concept plan for the area surrounding 66 Street was completed in 2012, but did not include plans for the 66 Street intersection.
Where We Are Now
Concept planning for the roadways between 82 Street and 50 Street is now in the final stage of engagement. Minor modifications, which may include some changes to business accesses, will be considered from this point forward in the concept plan. Once the final feedback has been received and applied, the project will move into the design phase which is expected to begin in 2020.