Terwillegar Drive Expressway: Construction is underway

If you live or commute in southwest Edmonton, you may have seen construction on Terwillegar Drive is well underway! Construction began this spring and is the beginning of a multi-year, multi-project program to enhance the driving, walking and cycling and transit connections on and near Terwillegar Drive. The team has been meeting with area residents, commuters, businesses and community groups since 2017 to make sure the new Terwillegar Drive Expressway meets the community needs and we are ready to start seeing these changes become a reality. We are currently constructing Stage One. These upgrades include:

  • Increasing Terwillegar Drive to four lanes in each direction (three for vehicle traffic and one dedicated for buses)
  • Intersection upgrades, including new left and right turning lanes and shared-use path crossing
  • Bus stop upgrades
  • Shared-use path on the east side of Terwillegar Drive, including connections to the communities and pedestrian-level lighting
  • Naturalized landscaping and tree planting

Construction of new lanes along Terwillegar Drive, looking at the median south of 40 Avenue.

“We’re excited to see this work start this year and have shovels in the ground,” said Nathan Stelmach, Supervisor, Terwillegar Drive Expansion Program. “Terwillegar Drive is an important connector for the growing communities in southwest Edmonton and these upgrades aim to improve the experiences for everyone.”

Stage One construction started on the north section, between Whitemud Drive and Rabbit Hill Road. If you’re travelling in the area, you will see construction activities taking place, however traffic will have minimal impacts. Two lanes in each direction will remain open and no major detours will be required. Due to construction, the speed limit on Terwillegar Drive, where construction is taking place, will be decreased to 50 km/hour for everyone’s safety. Access to neighbourhoods and businesses will be maintained and there will be no detours through the communities. 

Overnight construction between Whitemud Drive and 23 Avenue is currently ongoing until the end of July for underground work and street light construction. This work will be completed on one side of the road at a time and at least one lane of traffic will be open at all times. 

Preparing for new lanes on Terwillegar Drive and the shared-use path on the east side of the corridor.

Stage One upgrades will continue throughout the next three years and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2023. This is the first of three stages for the Terwillegar Drive Expansion Program. Stage Two upgrades include the Terwillegar Drive/Whitemud Drive interchanges and a new pedestrian/cyclist bridge over Whitemud Drive, while Stage Three will upgrade the Terwillegar Drive/Anthony Henday interchange. The entire program is anticipated to be complete by 2026.

Terwillegar Drive is a main road that currently connects many communities and businesses in southwest Edmonton, and in the future, will be a main regional road, connecting further south from 41 Avenue SW to Leduc. These changes are important to Edmonton’s future as we build a healthy and sustainable city and a prosperous region. 

As construction for Stage One continues, we are also preparing for Stage Two. Public input opportunities for the 142 Street Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge and Stage Two upgrades will be available throughout 2021 to hear your thoughts as we plan the next phases for the project.

Stay up to date and sign up for updates for construction details and public input opportunities at edmonton.ca/TerwillegarDrive