Abstract Manager

The “Imagine Jasper Avenue” project is a streetscape project undertaken by the City of Edmonton. Initially started as a rehabilitation project, the project evolved into a major streetscape project with various new design elements. The eastern section of the project completed construction in 2021, and the western section (Phase 2) will begin construction in 2024. The overall project goal is to create a safe and enhanced experience for those who walk, drive, or use transit. Ultimately, the changes will support area businesses, attract visitors, and function as vital transportation infrastructure for Edmontonians. 

During the design development of Phase 2 of the project, the City of Edmonton adopted a default residential speed limit of 40 km/h. Due to the high number of pedestrians on and around the Jasper Avenue area, this arterial roadway was also reduced from 50 km/h to the City’s default 40 km/h speed limit. Understanding that the existing design of the western section of the corridor’s did not encourage compliance to a 40 km/h speed limit, the design team significantly altered the roadway cross section and implemented many traffic calming features. These features include continuous pedestrian crossings, consistent signalized crossings, access closures, and lane narrowing. The layout and operation of the continuous crossings were reviewed in depth, and were refined with input from multiple user groups.

Other design features include low impact development, enhanced transit stops, and upgraded lighting for all roadway users. The low impact development areas will significantly increase the greenery and tree cover along the corridor, and decrease flood risk in the densifying areas around Jasper Avenue. Enhanced pedestrian gathering areas were designed to activate adjacent businesses and residential properties. In conjunction with a 40 km/hr speed limit, these improvements will create an overall roadway environment that is safer, calmer, and quieter for users.

Ultimately the geometric design and the implementation of a complete street approach will create a low-speed arterial corridor that functions as both a link and a destination; balancing the needs of the community, commuters, businesses, and visitors. This presentation will highlight the all-season design of one of Edmonton’s main streets.