Blatchford_Gate_station

Blatchford Gate station

Blatchford Gate station

Future Edmonton light rail station

Blatchford Gate station is a non-operational Edmonton LRT station in Edmonton, Alberta. It will serve the Metro Line and will be the northern terminus station until the line is further extended. The station is located in the northeastern section of the developing Blatchford community, and west of the Westwood neighbourhood.[1] The station was completed in December 2023[2][3] as part of 1.6 km (0.99 mi) Metro Line Northwest Phase 1 extension.[3][4] The station however, will not open for passenger service until a later unknown date due to a lack of demand.

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History

The concept plan for the Metro Line extension was approved in 2013. Phase 1 of the extension from NAIT station to Blatchford Gate Station entered procurement in 2019.[5] Construction began in the summer of 2020 and was completed in early December 2023, more than a year ahead of its 2025 completion date.[6] Once open, it will replace NAIT/Blatchford Market station as the northern terminus of the line.

Although the station was planned to open alongside NAIT/Blatchford Market station when completed, its opening date was deferred due to lack of demand and until the criteria for the city’s transit service standard has been met.[7][8][6] The area around the station is currently planned to contain various residential and mixed-use developments in the future.[9] However, there is a lack of development around the station, as current development in Blatchford is currently located at the opposite end of the neighbourhood. Developments near Blatchford Gate station are planned to be completed before the end of the decade.[10]

Future Metro Line extensions are planned to continue north of the station into Northwest Edmonton.[11][5][1]

Station layout

Blatchford Gate station will be an at-grade station with 2 side platforms. The station will be able to accommodate five-car trains.[11] The station platforms each have canopies and heated shelters. The entire extension through Blatchford will be on a transit mall with shared use paths and bike lanes running adjacent to the train tracks.[5] Unlike the Capital Line, intersections around the station are not planned to use crossing arms, flashing lights or bells, similar to the Valley Line.

Power for the station will primarily be provided by solar panels installed in the stations canopy. When operational these solar panels will provide renewable energy to the heated shelters, mechanical components and lighting at each of the stations.[1][12]

Around the station

References

  1. [1]
    "Metro Line - Northwest Extension | City of Edmonton". www.edmonton.ca. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  2. [2]
    Mohamud, Amal (December 13, 2023). "Metro Line LRT to be closed this weekend for testing before NAIT/Blatchford station opens". CTV News Edmonton. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  3. [3]
    "Edmonton's Blatchford LRT stations set to open in 2024, shortlisted Capital Line South builders to make final pitch". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  4. [4]
    Burroughs, David (June 9, 2020). "Work begins on Edmonton light rail line extension". International Railway Journal. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  5. [5]
    Metro Line NW LRT Booklet (PDF). City of Edmonton. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  6. [6]
    Siemens, Nicole (January 16, 2024). "New NAIT LRT station ahead of schedule, opening of other Blatchford stop remains unclear". Global News Edmonton. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  7. [7]
    Snowdon, Wallis (December 1, 2023). "Turbulence continues for Edmonton's Blatchford development on former airport site". CBC News. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  8. [8]
    Ryan, Sarah (April 7, 2023). "Construction well underway on Edmonton's northwest LRT expansion". Global News. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  9. [9]
    "Community". Blatchford. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  10. [10]
    Thompson, Jeremy; Ellingson, Craig (September 20, 2023). "City council mulls keeping Blatchford LRT station closed until neighbourhood fills out". CTV News Edmonton. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  11. [11]
    Metro Line Northwest Phase 1 - Industry Tender Bulletin (PDF). City of Edmonton. April 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  12. [12]
    "2023 Mid-Season LRT Construction Update | City of Edmonton". www.edmonton.ca. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
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