Starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, Stony Plain Road from 129 Street to 131 Street and Groat Road from 107 Avenue to River Valley Road, including the shared-use path, will be closed.
The Stony Plain Bridge is being demolished because a replacement bridge is required for the Valley Line West LRT project.
Stony Plain Road will be closed between 129 Street and 131 Street from Dec. 29 until fall 2024.
“We know on the bridge specifically that they have essentially 800 days allotted to the closure of this bridge,” Councillor Andrew Knack said. “If they go any longer than that, there are substantial penalties.”
During the long-term closure, eastbound and westbound vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be rerouted to 102 Avenue or 107 Avenue.
“When you’re removing one of the main roads people will use to get from the west end into the core, it’s always challenging,” Knack said.
“This is necessary frustration to be able to add a new transportation option.”
There will be a short-term closure of Groat Road while the bridge is demolished, and again when it’s installed.
Groat Road is expected to be closed from Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
For the Stony Plain Road closure, other vehicle detour routes include Victoria Park Road, 149 Street to Whitemud Drive, and 109 Street to High Level Bridge.
Northbound and southbound pedestrian and bicycle traffic should use 102 Avenue to Victoria Promenade.
Edmontonians can also use Ramsay Ravine near Government House Park as a detour.
“I’m a bit anxious about how it will be getting in and out of our home and having people over and accessing the other side of the bridge. We’re used to walking across there,” said Liz Tanti, who’s lived near the bridge for more than 30 years.
“102 Avenue is going to be very busy… and I think people will cut through on this street because they will think they can get through and then realize it’s closed off.”
“We understand the closure of the bridge will have an impact on the community and local businesses,” the city said in a news release.
“The city is working closely with Marigold Infrastructure Partners to minimize disruptions and will monitor traffic flow once Stony Plain Road between 129 Street and 131 Street is closed.
“Please exercise caution and follow all construction signage in the area.”
Knack understands some people might express trepidation around Edmonton construction projects and potential delays. However, he said Edmonton actually has a fairly good track record.
“It’s worth noting that over 80 per cent of city of Edmonton projects are done on or ahead of schedule. Over 95 per cent of them happen on or under budget, so that’s actually really good performance overall, but we’ve had some challenges on LRT.”