Blue Line LRT Extension
Priority Capital Projects The Blue Line Northeast LRT Extension
The Blue Line extension will integrate the North Central and Northeast Calgary workforces with the second-largest employment hub in the Calgary region by accessible transit. The extension also provides a critical transfer point to connect the Blue Line LRT to the Calgary International Airport through the proposed Airport Transit Line.
Project update - September 2024
N.E. LRT Extension Project: Field Investigations Update
Field investigations to support the design of the NE LRT Extension from Saddletowne Station to the future 88th Avenue N.E. Station are planned to start on Monday, September 16th , 2024 (subject to approvals and weather conditions). The investigations will take place from the south end of Saddletowne Circle NE to Airport Trail along both the east and west sides of 60th St NE and around Saddletowne Circle.
Field investigations will include:
- Drilling geotechnical holes to determine the ground conditions in areas where noise walls, retaining walls, bridge foundations, buildings, roadways and train tracks are planned. Select holes near the future 88th Avenue N.E. Station will also be used to measure groundwater elevation and recharge rate which involves overnight observation of the hole;
- Noise monitoring to determine the locations along the track alignment where sound attenuation may be required; and
- Locating and surveying utilities may involve exposing some utilities to accurately determine their elevation.
This fieldwork is anticipated to last approximately 4-5 weeks. Although all activities will be conducted on public property, they may occur close to property lines. Traffic accommodation will be required in locations where boreholes and utility exposure are required in the roadway.
Project Timeline
Engineering design: Starts in spring 2024
Begin construction: To be confirmed
Contact us
Questions? Email the project team at LRTBlueLine@calgary.ca
Project overview
The Blue Line Northeast LRT extension to 88 Avenue has been identified as a priority project within RouteAhead, Calgary's 30-year strategic transit plan, approved by Calgary City Council. This extension aims to enhance transit accessibility for high-density northeast Calgary communities while facilitating smoother travel with the creation of a transfer station between the Blue Line and the Airport Terminal.
This extension is pivotal in integrating the North Central and Northeast Calgary workforces with one of the region's largest employment hubs, ensuring seamless connectivity through accessible transit. The extension also serves as a critical transfer point, linking the Blue Line LRT to the Calgary International Airport via the Airport Transit Connection.
Project area
Project features
- 1 km extension from Saddletowne Station to 88th Ave. N.E. and 60th St. N.E.
- 1 new station
- Future connection to Calgary International Airport via the Airport Transit Line
Project background
Planning for the Blue Line NE LRT extension started in 2012 extending the line with stops at 88 Avenue N.E., Country Hills Boulevard, 128 Avenue N.E. and Stonegate. The extension is identified in Route Ahead Long-Term Strategic Plans - RouteAhead (calgarytransit.com) as project that is ready to proceed to the next stage of design. The City and the Government of Alberta have allocated $14.6 million and $2 million, respectively, for project design between 2024 and 2026.
On February 29, 2024, the Government of Alberta announced an allocation of $43.3 million over three years in new construction funding for expanding the Blue Line LRT.
This extension will reach 88 Avenue N.E. The total estimated cost of the project is $160.6 million.
Benefits to Calgarians
Budget
The extension of the Blue Line LRT from the Saddletowne Station to the new station at 88th Avenue N.E. is funded through contributions from the Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.
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