Southeast LRT delays caused by cracks on piers 'deeply disappointing': mayor
The Valley Line Southeast LRT will not open this summer as planned.
The CEO of TransEd announced at Davies Station on Wednesday cracks had been found on three concrete piers that support the elevated tracks.
After further investigation, the company found a total of 18 piers that "may require strengthening."
"This issue will unfortunately delay the service commencement," TransEd CEO Ronald Joncas said. "We understand the disappointment and frustration…we were all anticipating and getting ready for the opening of the Valley Line Southeast LRT this summer. Sadly, this will not be possible.
"Once our engineering have completed the design to strengthen the pier and our construction experts have determined the additional construction work required, we will be in a better position to announce the target service commencement date."
The CEO said he's disappointed and apologized to Edmontonians. Joncas added there's no risk to the public and that it's safe to walk and drive under elevated sections along the LRT route.
DELAYS AND DISAPPOINTMENT
Construction started in 2016 and the route was scheduled to open in December 2020, but crews found a large concrete mass under the now open Tawatinâ Bridge in 2018 that delayed construction for months. Officials then delayed the opening date to within 2021, the end of 2021 and summer 2022.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the latest delays are "frustrating and deeply disappointing."
"TransEd has not delivered this project as expected. They are responsible for this delay and they will be held accountable to get the work completed and open a line that is safe to ride."
The Valley Line Southeast LRT is a public-private partnership, or P3, between Edmonton and TransEd, Sohi and City Manager Andre Corbould explained. The federal and provincial government also provided funding for the project.
When contracts were signed, the city expected to save about $500 million through the P3, Corbould said.
"We buy a product, we don't design it, we don't engineer it and we don't build it ourselves. Specialists do that," Corbould explained.
Other large projects such as the Walterdale Bridge, the 102 Avenue Bridge and the Metro Line LRT experienced years of issues and delays before they opened.
On Wednesday, Sohi asked administration for a comprehensive review on how the city builds such projects.
Corbould said TransEd will cover the financial costs of the delays.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.