North LRT | Churchill to NAIT | Under Construction

[edmonton daily photo]

^It's cement track bed... come on its an LRT station that will be used by thousands of people... are you expecting the construction equivalent of a tinker toy structure.

[sundance]

For something temporary ... yes. I expect something like Airport Express (the former gates and halls for the airport before the new terminal opened), not a monolithic poured concrete structure.

[chrisvazquez7]

Considering we won't be seeing the line extended through the airport for at least a decade, it's not that temporary really.

[azzey]

I'm imagining it will just be the platform with the portable shelters bolted to them. To me, that is portable compared to, say, South Campus station. Or any other station, for that matter.

[cnr67]

Originally Posted by azzey

I'm imagining it will just be the platform with the portable shelters bolted to them. To me, that is portable compared to, say, South Campus station. Or any other station, for that matter.

Clareview was a prime example back in the 80's.

[kkozoriz]

Belvedere was similar. It actually started as a half width platform.

[The_Cat]

I walked by the MacEwan station construction and they've got half the platform poured, and the outer concrete walls poured. I imagine they could start the caternary and signals this fall.

[chrisvazquez7]

Don't know if I'll be the only one to get excited about this, but Edmonton is getting its first scramble crosswalk intersection (that I know about)!!

Corner of 105 and 105:


photo by kokkeimizu, on Flickr

[Edmcowboy11]

Well it will be good to see and it will be good, although I will get more excited when it will be open.

[Mla]

Originally Posted by chrisvazquez7

Don't know if I'll be the only one to get excited about this, but Edmonton is getting its first scramble crosswalk intersection (that I know about)!!

Corner of 105 and 105:


photo by kokkeimizu, on Flickr

Please excuse my ignorance but could you tell me what a scramble intersection cross walk is?

[kkozoriz]

It's an intersection that stops all traffic and allows pedestrians to cross across the street diagonally as well as straight across.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedestrian_scramble

[The_Cat]

I think the scramble intersection will be great for all the Grant MacEwan students.

[etownboarder]

Will the MacEwan station now have more of a transit centre integrated for buses with the new Arena planned to be built right next to it?

[EveB]

I don't think so. I think people will be expected to go to Kingsway or stay downtown. There really are very few routes that service that intersection now.

Eve

[McBoo]

Not (m)any routes on 105 ave, granted.

Lots on 104 ave, more on 102 ave and quite a few on 101 street too. Includes two routes (#8 and #9) that have articulated buses.

Only transit issue might be that NLRT consists (initially at least) will only be three cars. But it'll be all of two, maybe three blocks to the nearest NE/SLRT subway station.

[halocore]

They'll probably throw in a transit centre there once/if the arena gets built, I'd imagine.

I also don't know if the NAIT station is as "temporary" anymore as they originally described. I seem to recall in the original NLRT plans, NAIT station was quite literally just some bus shelter-like structures on a platform. This was changed to a more developed station at some point.

[EveB]

The problem with creating the NAIT station as a really temporary shelter is twofold: (a) it will probably have to accommodate very large foot traffic (of various physical ability) right from the start, and (b) temporary in this context probably means several years until the airport lands get finalized and the first shovels appear (until then it's difficult to know the exact placement of the line).

At the same time, excessive architectural flourishes would be premature at this point.

Eve

[CalanTheHobbs]

Originally Posted by chrisvazquez7

Don't know if I'll be the only one to get excited about this, but Edmonton is getting its first scramble crosswalk intersection (that I know about)!!

Corner of 105 and 105:


photo by kokkeimizu, on Flickr

It will be Edmonton's 2nd, actually. I talked to an architect involved with the Rice Howard Way LRT entrance about a month ago. The person told me the crossing across Jasper Ave will be a scrambled crosswalk. Good news for both areas!!!

Nice picture, this is exciting!!

[darkmagnoblade]

isnt there one that leads to the old eaton center or am i wrong on that?

[Edmcowboy11]

nope but that one could end up being one too if need be.

[blainehamilton]

Originally Posted by Edmcowboy11

nope but that one could end up being one too if need be.

Corner of 102ave and 100st is a prime spot for one as well. Main doors for Edmonton center east are right on the corner, and the library is directly kiddie corner accross the intersection.

[chrisvazquez7]

I would like to see one at Kingsway Ave and 111 Ave so you can cross between the South corner and the North corner. I know that's probably not going to happen but wishful thinking.

Also, didn't get a chance to take a picture, but construction on Kingsway/Royal Alex station's roof is underway!

[jstock]

Work at Churchill station is halfway done. Trains using track 2 now, with track 1 blocked off.

[The_Cat]

I saw the connecting track (from NAIT) installed on the southbound line, but I don't think I saw the intersecting track (southbound and NAIT northbound) installed. If that hasn't been done, the southbound track will have to be closed, probably for a weekend.

[sundance]

Like he said its 1/2 done, the NB track is still to be done, because they are now routing trains on the SB track work on the other half can now proceed.

[envaneo]

I was on the train about 11:40 this morning going downtown to Corona noticing we're on track 2. The break out panels are clearly visible from track 2 on my trip back to Clareview.

[chrisvazquez7]

photo by kokkeimizu, on Flickr

Photos of the whole line to NAIT will be coming tomorrow if it's nice out.

[Alex.L]

That looks like quite an interesting crossover.

[Edmcowboy11]

I can't wait to see a tunnel there where it is still just a wall.

[The_Cat]

A couple of things. First, the Kingsway station has the metal beams up. Second, the track at Princess Elizabeth Avenue is complete.

I imagine that the track at 111 Ave/106 Street will be laid quite soon.

[IanO]

Kingsway metal structure with kick *** glue lam beams.

[chrisvazquez7]

Walked the line today. All photos have been uploaded to Flickr. See my photostream here.

MacEwen Station...


The new stop lights at 105 St/105 Ave with the scramble crosswalk. Also note the new street lights along most of 105 St have been installed.


Track along 105 St between 105 Ave and 107 Ave is mostly laid, and concrete is being poured.


The intersection of 105 St/107 Ave:


I have a feeling this stretch between 107 Ave and 108 Ave will be the last section to see rails...


The intersection of 104 St/108 Ave is completely dug up.


The section between 108 Ave and Kingsway Ave, including the first of two crossovers on the line.


Kingsway/Royal Alex Station!


111 Ave to 106 St. crossing. Along this stretch is the second set of crossovers on the line.


106 St. crossing.


Princess Elizabeth Ave. crossing.


There's a few photos I left out that are on my photostream. The line is really coming along. Wondering if they'll do catenary and signalling work before they reopen 105 St so they don't have to close the road again later?

[The_Cat]

I think that the line is coming along great. It looks like the track is nearly complete to 107 Avenue, and again from Kingsway to NAIT. I imagine that the caternary and signals could start installation this fall.

[Edmcowboy11]

The pictures look great. Work is looking good and hope things continue to move along as it has been so far.

[EveB]

I know that the trains won't be running for a while (there's more tunneling to do). But do you have a sense when some of the fencing might come down and the neighborhoods get back to what passes for normal?

Eve

[Municipal Man of Mystery]

What are the chances this line might even be operational earlier than April 2014 (as currently planned)?

[Medwards]

I would say not likely. Even when the line is finished being constructed, there will be ~3-6 months of commissioning and testing.

[Edmcowboy11]

Maybe someone can answer me this, why does it take so long for commissioning and testing?

[240GLT]

^ ask yourself, would you ride on a train that they were "pretty sure" was safe and operating correctly, or "absolutely sure"

From my experience in construction, Commissioning is not something you want to rush or scrimp on. Every company working on that line is supplying a specific piece. That's the easy part. The hard part is making all the pieces work together.

[The_Cat]

All three stations nearly have the foundations done, and I'm sure that the tunnels will be done by September. My guess is that commissioning could take place next spring, with the line opening September 2013.

[McBoo]

The new line will also need LRT cars - which won't be delivered till 2014, IIRC

[The_Cat]

I'm sure the NAIT line could be commissioned, even with the existing fleet. Also, the NAIT line would need only nine cars to start (3 trains of 3 cars each), which would not have a major impact on existing service, except peak hours.

[Vincent]

Peak hours happen every day. I guess on day one it wouldn't be an issue until about 3:00 o'clock.

[Edmcowboy11]

I don't know about the new cars but if it is a matter of running trains back and forth on that line couldn't they start doing that as soon as the tracks are accessible for the trains. They can use the current trains to test the line out, couldn't they?

[jstock]

Originally Posted by McBoo

The new line will also need LRT cars - which won't be delivered till 2014, IIRC

They've already started arriving. Some are even in service. I was on 1076 this afternoon.

[Municipal Man of Mystery]

I was just thinking about Vancouver's Canada Line, which opened several months ahead of schedule. I think the So it is possible - fingers crossed for good construction seasons.

[azzey]

What's happening with the tail track? Haven't heard anything about it lately.

[DTrobotnik]

great pics. thanks!

[chrisvazquez7]

Originally Posted by azzey

What's happening with the tail track? Haven't heard anything about it lately.

Went by there the other day. Looks like they're still working on the retaining wall. No track or track base that I can see...

[edmonton daily photo]

The existing rolling stock is also being sent for referbisment.... This needs to continue and doubt it can be put on hold. I assume this would have to happen if we maxed out our existing rolling stock.

I'm sure the lrt will open pretty much exactly when it needs to.

[sundance]

Too bad they aren't adding air conditioning to the U2s during the refurbishment, you never realize how nice it is until we eventually get hot sunny days.

It needed to open 10 years ago ... but council only recently realized that we couldn't have the LRT end at University (took them 14 years until Health Sciences opened). Sadly it looks like the west LRT will be on the same "fast" schedule. While I can understand waiting a little bit for the airport plans to be more solid but I hope it isn't 14 years until the next station opens NW of NAIT.

[Vincent]

It may be a while until the station beyond NAIT opens but as long as LRT expansion continues somewhere in the city I'll be happy. I think also there is a desire for LRT not only on council but among the citizens that didn't exist during those 14 years. So things have changed.

[envaneo]

In another 14 years the LRT might cost something like a 10 million bucks a meter of track. If City council took the costs of building a project into consideration 14 years down the road getting it done now seems like a no brainer. Wait, shouldn't that have been the case with a roof over Commonwealth?

[The_Cat]

I think there were other things preventing LRT construction during 1992-2003:

(1) The thinking that the LRT went nowhere; the LRT only benefitted users in Central and NE Edmonton.

(2) The lack of money available, and the short-term fiscal thinking of many Edmontonians. Unfortunately, we were Pound foolish.

(3) The slow growth of the city, and the lack of urgency for long-term planning.

The LRT mentality was evolutionary rather than revolutionary. While it's gaining support in SE Edmonton, there is still resistance in areas like Jasper Place. In some ways, I'm glad that the NE leg was already built. Today's council probably would have tried for a line along 118 Avenue to Clareview, and would have ran into strong resistance in Beverly.

[envaneo]

Yeah, the we want it but not in my backyard mentality.

[Dialog]

The University station opened the day before my first year there started. Having recently been to London and Montreal, it excited me to see we were expanding our light rail network.

I was disappointed to learn, at the time, that University would be the end of the LRT expansion for at least twelve years, as now ETS had to modernize it's fleet of buses, which at the time was the oldest fleet in Canada. And lo and behold, the work to get it out of the ground started around 2004...

[Vincent]

Originally Posted by The_Cat

I think there were other things preventing LRT construction during 1992-2003:

(1) The thinking that the LRT went nowhere; the LRT only benefitted users in Central and NE Edmonton.

I remember that argument only because it was so stupid. That's like saying we don't need more flights because currently Edmontonians only use the flights we have.

[edmonton daily photo]

It is really sad that we went from super progressive to stagnant.. and we stayed there for so long.

On the other hand I was able to by my DT townhouse pretty cheaply lol..

[The_Cat]

I think Edmonton has grown up a lot with respect to the need for LRT and a more comprehensive transit plan. There is also more urgency to start moving on the LRT, given the growth in Edmonton's population and the direction development could take.

[edmonton daily photo]

sadly we dont have funding in place.

[thatguy]

from my understanding, the nait lrt is scheduled for april 2014 public opening. ideally, if construction is ahead of schedule, i would like to see a january 2014 opening. that way you could get the last semester of schooling for macewan/ nait students and the general public will see more full trains right away. let's hope!

[edmonton daily photo]

^ no one has every provided proof that construction is ahead of schedule... in fact most construction projects are behind schedule because of all the rain.

Careful about replacing perception with fact.

[highlander]

There is very little work on the NLRT project that is weather sensitive this year. Most of the route already had a layer of concrete from last year, and just based on the timing of the 106 and 107 ave closures there was no time lost there.

I think it's important to remember that the critical item that will determine to opening date is the tunnel. The rest of the project could be ready but if the tunnel is not there can be no early opening.

[Medwards]

Originally Posted by edmonton daily photo

^ no one has every provided proof that construction is ahead of schedule... in fact most construction projects are behind schedule because of all the rain.

Careful about replacing perception with fact.

Yet you offer no proof yourself that construction projects are delayed due to weather?

Careful about replacing perception with fact.

[edmonton daily photo]

I'm pretty sure each component is critical.. Hard to have a system without power lines or vehicles to run it with..

Let's just be really clear no one from the city has ever said lrt is ahead of schedule.. It's been we are On track to open when scheduled.

Just saying

[thatguy]

please read what i wrote. i said "if" construction is ahead of schedule. i never said it was or implied it was in any way.

[halocore]

Realistically though, while many of us interested in the LRT feel like we've been waiting two decades for the start of a second line, opening the line a few months early vs on schedule doesn't make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. It's more important to have a reliable, safe, fully serviced line, even if it means waiting.

[Edmcowboy11]

As long as it isn't behind schedule but months or longer then if it opens on time that works for me.

[darkmagnoblade]

i talked to one of the tunnel guys they said there hitting alot of sand and water, more then then did heading towards epcor, so its slowing things down alot. He told me they should be breaking though around november if i remember it right

[The_Cat]

^ I wonder if this is partly the result of the recent rains. Could they pump out this excess water?

[darkmagnoblade]

Originally Posted by The_Cat

^ I wonder if this is partly the result of the recent rains. Could they pump out this excess water?

i didnt ask if it was cuz of the rain so its hard to say what or how it got there maybe someone else knows here?

[The_Cat]

August LRT update:

http://www.edmonton.ca/transportatio...ugust_2012.pdf

[The_Cat]

Two things:

(1) 106 St/111 Ave will have the track laid on the Labour Day weekend.

(2) Churchill LRT Station will have the NAIT tunnel entrance track laid by the end of August.

[darkmagnoblade]

Originally Posted by The_Cat

Two things:

(1) 106 St/111 Ave will have the track laid on the Labour Day weekend.

(2) Churchill LRT Station will have the NAIT tunnel entrance track laid by the end of August.

well then why did the guy tell me it wouldn't be till past august then and where did you get that info from?

[highlander]

Because the track connections will completed in the existing tunnel this month. After that no disruption to service on the existing line should be required. Once the tunnel is complete the rest of the tracks can be connected to what they're putting in now.

[darkmagnoblade]

ok wait nvr mind i though he ment the break though of the actual tunnel i fail at reading tonight sorry

[chrisvazquez7]

It's been almost a month since my last update! Walked the line yesterday. Here's some highlights, more on my photostream.

Looking south from 106 Ave/105 St


Looking south from 107 Ave/105 St


A few pictures of Kingsway/Royal Alex:


Looking south from 111 Ave:


Looking south and north from 113 Ave crosswalk:


Looking south from 106 St crossing:


The space between 106 St crossing and Princess Elizabeth:


NAIT station:


Enjoy!

[edmonton daily photo]

^ just open already!!

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Originally Posted by edmonton daily photo

^ just open already!!

How do you expect them to operate an LRT with unfinished tracks and stations?

[darkmagnoblade]

magic maybe?

[stinger11]

Check mark at royal A should be rotated to capture more sun; for winter conditions, which are more likely.

[edmonton daily photo]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

How do you expect them to operate an LRT with unfinished tracks and stations?

Magic!!

like really SDM...

let me be redundantly precise. By expressing my sentiment that the LRT should commence operation forth with I am actually communicating the collective frustration of Edmonton over the current LRT situation.

By that I mean Edmonton was the a leader among it's peers in relationship to LRT and the construction of. I personally find it deplorable that a system that is 50 years old has taken that entire length of time before a 3rd leg to the system was added.

I am further expressing that our current LRT build out times are unacceptable and I urge the province and the city to expedite the processes that will allow for predictable, continuous and sufficient funding models to be implemented.

in short.... OPEN ALREADY

[EveB]

Unlike you, I don't pretend to represent the collective will of Edmonton. But I would prefer that before they open that section of LRT they finalize the construction and testing first.

The collective will of Edmonton probably has a different opinion.

Eve

[jstock]

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/...089/story.html

[EveB]

^ Now that is something I was looking forward to. It'll be even faster to get to work. I believe this is on schedule and everything.

Eve

[edmonton daily photo]

Originally Posted by EveB

Unlike you, I don't pretend to represent the collective will of Edmonton. But I would prefer that before they open that section of LRT they finalize the construction and testing first.

The collective will of Edmonton probably has a different opinion.

Eve

It's pretty well documented that the general population of Edmonton is very much in favour of an expanded lrt system.

This isn't a stretch

[Medwards]

Ya but still you don't represent them. What she is saying is something I echo. Speak for yourself. Don't pretend that you represent something that your not.

[EveB]

EDP, I'm in favour of an expanded LRT system. But I still don't want trains rolling down the line that is in the most recent pictures. The tracks aren't finished. The tunnel isn't completely dug out yet.

Do I wish that this line were operational yesterday? Of course, I do. But it's not ready for prime time. That's reality. What you're saying: that's not reality.

I'm thrilled that I'm in Edmonton while the city is making such progress with expanding the LRT and making the busses more usable. I will probably be taking a special trip just so I can ride the train to NAIT even though I have no real reason for going there.

But only when the tracks are FINISHED.

Eve

[edmonton daily photo]

Eve... I'm expressing a sentiment., a feeling, an ideal......I am not being literal

Its pretty clear it's not operational...

I am completely missing your point. If you wish to private message me and explaine what I am doing wrong now please do so

[Vincent]

I thought it was pretty obvious that edp was only expressing his eagerness for the line to be finished while at the same time expressing frustration that we went so many years without LRT construction. Obviously he's not an idiot to want those trains to run on a line that is incomplete.

[The_Cat]

Looks like the Churchill track will be back to double track after Labour Day:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/...089/story.html

Also, it looks like the MacEwan tunnel will reach Churchill by December. For the track commissioning and testing, it must be more challenging with the switchtrack at Churchill.

[halocore]

I hope they get around to upgrading the current stations with the digital train time / direction info signs that are in McKernan, Southgate, and Century Park stations before the north line opens. They would be quite handy once the trains have more than one place to go.

[darkmagnoblade]

any word on why they havent even started the tail track at health sciences???

[edmonton daily photo]

look at the track on the right hand side lol... she is a little bent

[Medwards]

^ track still being installed...

[EveB]

You know, I was staring at that same section of track and hoping that someone closer to the project was also. I'm sure they are.

Eve
(I hope they are.)

[halocore]

I bet the rebar supplier was laughing all the way to the bank after this order. Man that is going to be built like a rock when it's done.

[sundance]

Those kinks will be straightened out before the concrete is poured. (If you look you'll see a 2nd further up the track). But I'd rather see the "grass" tracks like the St. Charles Streetcar in New Orleans than concrete.

[ctzn-Ed]

Originally Posted by sundance

Those kinks will be straightened out before the concrete is poured. (If you look you'll see a 2nd further up the track). But I'd rather see the "grass" tracks like the St. Charles Streetcar in New Orleans than concrete.

Since that is a road that tracks are incorporated into, it is logical & fitting don't you think?

[edmonton daily photo]

I wonder how the rubber strips get worked in too?! this is obviously the noise and vibration dampeners...