City apologizes for congested Whitemud commute

Snarled traffic tested the patience of even the most laid back driver on Wednesday morning, as paving work on the Quesnell Bridge backed up traffic on Whitemud Drive throughout the morning commute.

“I hope the citizens of Edmonton will accept my sincere apologies on behalf of the City of Edmonton and the Transportation Services Department for the traffic congestion created this morning,” department head Bob Boutilier said in a release Wednesday afternoon.

Rehabilitation work on the Quesnell Bridge is typically done overnight and completed by 6:00 a.m. each morning. Boutilier says a mechanical breakdown at the city’s asphalt supplier meant the project’s final shipment was delayed.

“The delay prompted workers to continue working past the 6:00 a.m. deadline in an effort to finish the job,” Boutilier said. ” The barricades were not removed … and during rush hour Whitemud Drive was reduced to a single eastbound lane approaching the Quesnell Bridge.”

At times traffic was backed up to 178 St., causing delays of up to half an hour.

Mayor Stephen Mandel was among those frustrated by the rush hour delays, telling reporters at City Hall that he understands why drivers were upset, and suggested that an apology was due.

The release from the city concludes with a promise to drivers that the Transportation Services Department “will make adjustments to ensure your patience is not abused in this fashion again.”