Alterations in vehicular traffic movements set for Whitemud Drive across Rainbow Valley Bridge
News Article: Whitemud Drive and Rainbow Valley Bridge Construction Updates
Edmonton, Alberta - The ongoing construction on Whitemud Drive and the Rainbow Valley Bridges is progressing as planned, with recent changes and upcoming adjustments affecting traffic flow in the area.
Following the completion of the westbound Rainbow Valley Bridge work, traffic is now flowing over the other upgraded bridge span, which is the eastbound Rainbow Valley Bridge. Two lanes of traffic are being maintained in each direction during peak hours, despite construction disruptions [1].
The next phase of construction involves the widening and renewal of the eastbound Whitemud Drive bridge, a process that will continue for the remainder of 2025, with completion expected by the end of the year [5]. The exact lane configuration details during construction are not fully specified in the sources.
Meanwhile, the north bridge on Whitemud Drive has been rehabilitated and widened to four lanes plus shoulders. As part of the Whitemud work, a new 142 Street pedestrian bridge linking the Brookside and Bulyea Heights neighbourhoods has already been added [2].
The Terwillegar Drive expansion project, of which the Whitemud Drive work is a part, is currently in Stage 2. This stage includes further road widening, upgrades to the Terwillegar Drive and Anthony Henday Drive interchanges, and the addition of dedicated transit lanes and a shared-use path [7]. Work on the Terwillegar Drive and Anthony Henday Drive interchanges is already underway as part of Stage 3 of the project [6].
It's worth noting that the initial plan for the Terwillegar Drive expansion project aimed to upgrade Terwillegar Drive to a light-free freeway. However, the project is not expected to result in a light-free freeway [3].
Upcoming changes include a traffic pattern shift as the city begins the eastbound Whitemud Drive bridge work. Construction crews have been working on getting the area ready for the shift, primarily overnight, for the last week or so. The exact date for when traffic will flip hasn't yet been determined, but it should be soon [4].
The westbound north bridge is nearly done, having been paved and line painted in anticipation of traffic flowing on it [4]. The final pieces will be put in place overnight this weekend and during the first half of next week, according to the contractor's latest schedule [4].
Despite the construction, no major incidents affecting traffic beyond construction have been reported recently. Transit route changes may occur, but no specific impact on bus routes over the Rainbow Valley Bridge is detailed at this time [3]. The reduced 60 km/h speed limit will remain on Whitemud Drive.
For more information about the Terwillegar Drive expansion project, visit the City of Edmonton's website.
[1] City of Edmonton. (2023). Whitemud Drive Over Rainbow Valley Bridges Update. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/transportation/projects-and-studies/whitemud-drive-over-rainbow-valley-bridges.aspx
[2] City of Edmonton. (2023). Whitemud Drive Over Rainbow Valley Bridges Pedestrian Bridge. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/transportation/projects-and-studies/whitemud-drive-over-rainbow-valley-bridges/pedestrian-bridge.aspx
[3] City of Edmonton. (2023). Terwillegar Drive Expansion Project. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/transportation/projects-and-studies/terwillegar-drive-expansion-project.aspx
[4] CBC News. (2023). Whitemud Drive to close westbound lanes for construction. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/whitemud-drive-westbound-lanes-close-construction-1.6587263
[5] City of Edmonton. (2023). Whitemud Drive Over Rainbow Valley Bridges Construction Updates. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/transportation/projects-and-studies/whitemud-drive-over-rainbow-valley-bridges/construction-updates.aspx
[6] City of Edmonton. (2023). Terwillegar Drive Expansion Project - Stage 3. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/transportation/projects-and-studies/terwillegar-drive-expansion-project/stage-3.aspx
[7] City of Edmonton. (2023). Terwillegar Drive Expansion Project - Stage 2. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/transportation/projects-and-studies/terwillegar-drive-expansion-project/stage-2.aspx
The upcoming changes in traffic flow on Whitemud Drive and the Rainbow Valley Bridges could potentially affect the industry of transportation, as the city preparations and construction work may cause altered routes and increased travel times for vehicles.
In addition, the investment in the Terwillegar Drive expansion project, which includes the Whitemud Drive work, is a significant move in Edmonton's finance sector, as it demonstrates a commitment to improving the city's infrastructure and traffic flow.
