Businesses Navigate LRT Construction Challenges on Edmonton’s Stony Plain Road

Introduction to the Issue

Businesses along Edmonton’s Stony Plain Road are facing significant challenges as the Valley Line West LRT construction continues to disrupt the area. Customers are finding it difficult to navigate the construction zones to access local shops and restaurants, leading to a decline in foot traffic and sales for many business owners. Theo Psalios, the owner of Little Village restaurant, located at the intersection of Stony Plain Road and 149 Street, has taken matters into his own hands by creating a map to guide customers to his business. Psalios explained that the constant changes in traffic patterns due to construction have made it difficult for customers to find their way to his restaurant. He emphasized the need for clearer signage and better communication from the city to help businesses affected by the construction.

The Challenges of Construction and Its Impact on Businesses

Since the start of the Valley Line West LRT construction, businesses in the area have experienced a noticeable drop in customer visits. Theo Psalios noted that the loss of foot traffic has been particularly challenging, as the construction has made it difficult for potential customers to access his restaurant. He highlighted the frustration of constantly changing traffic patterns, which have left both drivers and pedestrians confused and unsure of how to navigate the area. Psalios called on the city to provide more signs and clearer instructions to help guide customers to businesses affected by the construction.

The City’s Response and Plans to Accelerate Construction

Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses and residents in the area. He believes that it is the city’s responsibility to keep businesses informed about construction updates, rather than placing the burden on business owners to stay in touch with city officials and contractors. Knack mentioned that while most parts of the LRT project are on schedule, roadwork has faced delays, causing frustration for area residents and businesses. To address this, Knack proposed a motion to accelerate the construction process.

Under the accelerated plan, several major intersections along Stony Plain Road will be closed for extended periods to expedite the completion of the roadwork. For example, the intersection at 124 Street will be closed for six to eight weeks, while the intersection at 156 Street will be closed for 10 to 12 weeks. In July, the 142 Street intersection will be closed for seven to nine weeks, and the 149 Street intersection will be closed from September to late November. While these closures will cause short-term disruptions, the goal is to complete the Stony Plain Road construction by September, ensuring smoother traffic flow in the area once the work is done. The city committee has unanimously voted to move forward with this plan, acknowledging that while there will still be some impact, the long-term benefits of the completed LRT project will outweigh the current inconveniences.

Community and Business Support During Construction

The City of Edmonton and Marigold Infrastructure have taken steps to support businesses affected by the construction. Bruce Ferguson, the city’s branch manager for LRT expansion and renewal, stated that resources have been created to help businesses adjust to the construction. For example, when Little Village raised concerns, Marigold Infrastructure contacted them to provide additional information, including a map of available accesses to the business and a construction toolkit. Ferguson also mentioned that Marigold is working on additional wayfinding signage for businesses in the plaza, as requested by Little Village.

Businesses along the construction site are encouraged to reach out to the city and Marigold Infrastructure for support. The city has provided contact information for businesses to connect with officials and access resources: lrtprojects@edmonton.ca or public@marigoldinfra.ca. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of the construction and ensure that businesses can continue to operate successfully during this challenging time.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Stony Plain Road and the Valley Line West LRT

Theo Psalios, like many business owners in the area, remains hopeful that the Valley Line West LRT project will bring long-term benefits to the community. He expressed his desire to see the completed LRT serving its intended purpose effectively. "When this project is done, I hope that train is full of people," he said, emphasizing his belief that the finished LRT will enhance accessibility and connectivity for residents and businesses alike. However, he also acknowledged the potential risks of the project, stating that if the finished product does not meet expectations, it could be a source of frustration for the community.

As the construction progresses, businesses and residents along Stony Plain Road will continue to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing work. While the short-term disruptions are significant, the city and local business owners are working together to ensure that the area emerges stronger and more connected once the Valley Line West LRT is complete. The successful completion of this project will not only improve transportation options but also bring new opportunities for economic growth and development to the region.

Conclusion: Balancing Progress and Community Needs

The Valley Line West LRT construction on Edmonton’s Stony Plain Road has brought both challenges and opportunities to the area. While the ongoing work has disrupted businesses and caused frustration for residents, it also promises to deliver a modern and efficient public transit system that will enhance the community for years to come. By working together, the city, businesses, and residents can navigate the current challenges and ensure that the finished project meets its full potential. As Coun. Andrew Knack noted, the goal is to make this the last year of major road construction, paving the way for a smoother and more connected future for the area.