The West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre will move a few blocks north to a portion of the mall’s overflow lot on 90 Avenue at 173 Street during Valley Line West LRT construction.
Construction on the temporary transit centre—expected to operate at the location for five to six years—is to begin in spring 2021.
The temporary transit centre is scheduled to open in late 2021. Its location adjacent to the mall means safe, quality transit service to this major destination during LRT construction.
Valley Line West LRT construction
Thousands of Edmontonians rely on the West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre every day.
Located on 87 Avenue just south of the mall, the existing transit centre is a hub that connects west Edmonton to other parts of the city. It will be a key destination served by the Valley Line West LRT line.
Construction of the Valley Line West LRT, which will connect Downtown to Lewis Farms, is scheduled to begin next year and last about five to six years.
A large concrete structure called an elevated guideway will be built along the route on 87 Avenue, from 164 Street to 182 Street, to allow the LRT to run above street level near the mall.
Once the Valley Line West LRT is built, the line will include a new elevated West Edmonton Mall Station integrated with a new transit centre, both in the same location as the current transit centre.
But while it’s all under construction, both 87 Avenue and the existing transit centre will be impacted. That’s where the West Edmonton Mall temporary transit centre comes in.
Maintaining transit service
It’s important that the City continues to offer the same great transit service during LRT construction.
All bus routes accessing the current mall transit centre will move to the temporary transit centre. Transit customers can expect some schedule changes, too. More information will be available next year.
Rezoning approval
On Tuesday, September 22, City Council gave two readings to an application from West Edmonton Mall to rezone the overflow parking for future commercial use, a designation which includes transit use.
Commercial redevelopment wouldn’t happen until the temporary transit centre is removed from 90 Avenue and the new and improved transit centre on 87 Avenue is up and running.
Safety, security
Pedestrian access to the mall from the temporary transit centre will be via the existing crosslights at 175 Street and near 174 Street.
Road rehabilitation work on 90 Avenue will be completed this year to help accommodate the anticipated increase in bus traffic.
The temporary transit centre will have emergency phones, security cameras and a security office. Patrol Inspectors will regularly interact with citizens, Transit Operators and other security personnel.
Interested in knowing more?
A brand new LRT line brings a lot of change to our city. If you’re curious about what’s been happening and check out the website for the Valley Line West. You can also give us a call at 780-496-4874 (voicemail) or email us at LRTprojects@edmonton.ca.
Editor’s note: The pic at the top of the post is a rendering of the future West Edmonton Mall Station along 87 Avenue.
