Transport Canada announced a new investment, under the National Trade Corridors Fund, of up to nearly $31 million for the 50 Street CP Rail Grade Separation and Widening Project in the City of Edmonton.
This new funding is in addition to the more than $39 million announced in 2018 for the same project.
“Our Government is committed to improving our transportation system through investments in infrastructure projects like this. By doing so, we aim to strengthen the economy, and create good jobs for Canadians. Today, the funding provided to Edmonton will ensure that goods can move efficiently and that our citizens can travel safely,” said Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport.
Improvements that will enhance safety and increase the efficient flow of goods along this key trade corridor route include:
- a new overpass over the existing railway crossing north of the Sherwood Park Freeway;
- two new traffic lanes on 50 Street, increasing the total number of lanes from four to a
six-lane divided roadway; - the realignment and reconstruction of the intersection at 82 Avenue and 50 Street to maintain important connections between local residential neighborhoods and commercial developments; and
- new sidewalks and shared-use paths along 50 Street so that people in the city can get where they need to go quickly and safely.
“The City of Edmonton welcomes the additional funding from the Government of Canada to support this important city-building project. The City is committed to providing Edmontonians with efficient transportation systems that improve mobility for all. We are grateful that our Federal funding partners recognize the need to improve and continue to build critical infrastructure that will increase the quality of life for Edmontonians,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton.
In 2023, the main construction focus will be on building the northbound overpass and working on stormwater drainage. Once this is complete, construction will shift to the southbound overpass. Project construction, which began in spring 2022, involves completing underground and overhead utility and drainage work and is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
Featured image: (City of Edmonton)
