Leduc approves new Transportation Master Plan

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc has given the green-light to its new Transportation Master Plan. 

The plan outlines the City's approach to the long-term development, management, and enhancement of its transportation network, including its guiding principles for transportation investment. The City says they undertake a new TMP approximately every seven years, and that the plan is a requirement in order to ensure that long-term infrastructure planning aligns with projected growth.

As part of a presentation to Leduc City Council this week, Engineering Director Shawn Olson provided an overview of the new Transportation Master Plan. He says that projects identified in this report will be used to update the offsite levy transportation projects into the long-term horizon.

"The priority is the roadway network, which is supported by the MGA (Municipal Government Act) from an off-site levy perspective," said Olson. "It talks about highway connections, major corridors, intersection enhancements, access management, and surface transportation noise."

Some of the City's short-term plans include upgrading Grant McEwan Boulevard from two-lanes to four, and intersection upgrades for C.W Gaetz Road and Rollyview Road, and 74 Street and 50 Avenue. Medium-term planning includes major upgrades to 50 Avenue from the Highway 2 West Ramp Terminal to Discovery Way, and adding a signalized intersection at Coady Boulevard and Pioneer Road.

For their more long-term plans, the City will be looking at upgrading various sections of Spine Road and 65 Avenue East to four-lanes, and changing 50 Avenue from four lanes to six. Meantime, Shawn Olson says part of the TMP also addresses active transportation networks across the municipality.

"We also looked at active transportation, which is supported by a lot of the work in our MDP (Municipal Development Plan)," said Olson. "Our MDP talks about encouraging the provision of choice between active transportation modes, private automobile, and transit, it talks about encouraging connectivity between the Edmonton International Airport, the QE II, and industrial and business park areas."

Olson says that the Transportation Master Plan looks to establish a robust network that supports both private automobiles and the active transportation of buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. He notes that the overall goal of the plan is to establish enhanced transportation infrastructure as the municipality continues to grow.