After three and a half years of construction, Terwillegar Drive Stage 2 is now complete, with all lanes officially open to traffic on Whitemud Drive. The significant infrastructure upgrade improves mobility, enhances connectivity, increases safety, and supports future growth across southwest Edmonton.
Project Background
Due to the rapid growth in southwest Edmonton, the Terwillegar Drive and Whitemud Drive area had become a major bottleneck for commuters. Traffic congestion was causing delays, reducing traansit reliability and contributing to increased collision risks.
Graham began construction on the Terwillegar Drive Stage 2 project in spring 2023 as part of the broader Terwillegar Drive expansion portfolio, a major initiative designed to reduce congestion, address capacity challenges, improve safety, and boost connections for all road users.
Key project components include:
- The widening and rehabilitation of roads and bridges between 53 Avenue and 122 Street on Whitemud Drive and from Whitemud Drive to 43 Avenue on Terwillegar Drive
- The widening and rehabilitation of the Rainbow Valley traffic bridges to four lanes in each direction
- Enhancing the Whitemud Drive and Terwillegar Drive interchange and ramps
- A dedicated bus-only lane from 53 Avenue to southbound Terwillegar Drive
- Upgraded shared-use pathways between 122 Street and 142 Street
- Two new pedestrian and cyclist bridges at Rainbow Valley and 142 Street
- The installation of five new retaining walls and a noise wall
Traffic Management
From the earliest planning stages, maintaining traffic flow was a key priority. Construction took place on one of Edmonton’s busiest transportation corridors, with traffic volumes from 80,000 to 100,000 vehicles per day.
Through careful staging and coordination, four lanes of traffic remained open on Whitemud Drive throughout construction, with two lanes maintained in each direction during peak hours. This approach minimized disruptions for commuters while crews completed major bridge, roadway and interchange improvements.
Pedestrian Bridges
In July 2026, two new pedestrian and cyclist bridges opened to the public: one next to Rainbow Valley Bridge and another crossing Whitemud Drive at 142 Street. The openings, combined with upgrades to shared-use pathways between 122 Street and 142 Street, provide safer crossings, improve accessibility and better connect Edmonton’s active transportation network.
By separating pedestrians and cyclists from high-speed traffic, the new infrastructure creates safer and more convenient connections for residents travelling through Rainbow Valley and surrounding communities.
The project completion represents a substantial milestone for Edmonton’s transportation network. Graham is proud to have partnered with the City of Edmonton, CIMA+, Associated Engineering, DIALOG and other project stakeholders to deliver reliable infrastructure that improves mobility, enhances safety, strengthens active transportation and supports continued growth in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.
