Everyone who lives in Edmonton knows we have two seasons, winter and construction. With winter hopefully past us, that can only mean one thing, it's time for the traffic headaches to begin.
However, there aren't as many projects planned this year as there were last year, and because our winter was so mild, crews have been able to get a head start on the season.
"For example, down in the river valley we already started, the long week of February, on our Grierson Hill bridge," says Barry Belcourt from Edmonton Roads Design and Construction.
He says there are 46 projects planned this year, compared to 150 last year.
"The construction prices were very good (in 2011), it allowed us to move forward and spend the dollars," says Belcourt adding, "In 2012, moving forward, we will have fewer projects. But at the same time, there's still the continuation of some of the projects we started last year that we'll be completing this year."
One of the major projects beginning this spring is phase one of the revitalization of Jasper Avenue.
"There's going to be brand new street lighting, brand new furniture, brand new benches. It's going to be a completely different look to the avenue," explains Paul Szczepanski from Edmonton Roads Design and Construction adding, "A lot of it is going to be done through colour, shapes of the street furniture, there's going to be stainless steel items that are going to be introduced."
Jim Taylor from the Downtown Business Association says the change is a long time coming and it's been a long time since Jasper Ave was in it's glory.
"It's just going to be fantastic, we're going to see granite curbs here, we haven't seen granite curbs in Edmonton, ever," Taylor exclaims adding, "We're going to see wider sidewalks, dedicated spots for art and design and public place. This is going to become a place rather than a street."
He says it's all about reclaiming Jasper Avenue as Edmonton's main boulevard.
Phase one involves the areas of Jasper Ave between 100 and 102 Street. Belcourt says there will not be a total closure of the avenue, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction. He knows it's a disruption for drivers but says in the end, it will be worth it.
"For a short term pain, we're going to have a long term gain."
Jim Rands knows all about the pain. He lives and works downtown and thinks the Jasper Avenue project is a good idea, saying he can avoid the area while construction is underway.
Another huge project starting this spring is the rehabilitation of the Central LRT station.
"It's been experiencing some extensive leakage over the years," says Szczepanski adding, "The facility itself was built back in the late 70's, so it's really starting to show it's age."
Belcourt says all of the projects will have a significant impact on the face of transportation in our city.
With files from Kendra Slugoski.
The City of Edmonton has released its construction schedule. For a complete look at all of the construction projects, see the map below.
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