In late 2007 residents in Calgary’s northeast enjoyed the opening of a new LRT extension to the McKnight-Westwinds Station. This extension provides public transportation to 48,000 Calgarians in our growing city. Many residents in the area are already taking advantage of the convenience of having new LRT service closer to home.
To continue providing public transportation to Calgary, City Council approved another extension of the northeast LRT line to Saddletowne Circle. This project is in preliminary stages and community feedback is being gathered. There will be another opportunity for public engagement in early spring 2008.Most of the comments received so far are positive and residents’ are pleased the extension was advanced by several years.
Transportation Infrastructure (TI) is currently implementing a preliminary engineering design study. As part of this, The City is making suggestions to mitigate or lessen the impact of the LRT extension on residents. The main areas of concern and current recommendations are listed below.
Concerns and Recommendations
Noise: A noise analysis is currently underway. Sound attenuation is warranted at various locations along the right-of-way. Exact locations and wall aesthetics will be available in the near future.
Safety at Martindale Station: TI is recommending a split side-loading station with two platforms on either side of Martindale Blvd. This configuration requires trains to come to a full stop prior to crossing Martindale Blvd., thereby increasing safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
64 Avenue Crossing: TI will be recommending that an interchange be constructed as part of this project. Additional funding has been requested and is anticipated to be proposed to Council in April, 2008.
Regional Pathway: For safety reasons, TI is recommending the mid-block crossing of the pathway, north of Martindale Blvd. be removed and relocated.
