A major two-week detour could affect your downtown Edmonton commute
If you’re a downtown commuter in Edmonton, dodging detours left, right, and centre has probably become second nature this summer. But a major two-week detour coming to a busy intersection is one you’ll want to take note of.
Starting on or around Monday, Aug. 24, 97th Street will be temporarily fully closed to vehicle traffic between Jasper Avenue and Okîsikow (Angel) Way (101A Avenue) for approximately two weeks to accommodate construction of the new Chinatown Gate.
City of Edmonton
According to the City of Edmonton, crews are preparing to install the steel structure of the new Chinatown Gate along 97 Street. Key components have been preassembled to speed up installation and significantly reduce the number of nighttime closures needed in late September.
Drivers are encouraged to use 100th Street or 95th Street as alternate routes via Jasper Avenue or 103A Avenue. During the closure, southbound drivers on 97th Street will be permitted to turn left onto eastbound 103A Avenue. This turn is currently prohibited but will be temporarily allowed to help reduce traffic congestion.
Vehicle access will be maintained on 97th Street between 102A Avenue and Okîsikow Way, including access to the Canada Place parkade on the west side of 97th Street, north of Okîsikow Way.
Pedestrian access will be maintained on both sides of 97th Street.
Construction will take place during daytime hours Monday through Sunday throughout the closure, the City of Edmonton said.
Following the two-week full closure, the same section of 97th Street will see nightly closures for approximately two additional weeks. The closures will take place around Sept. 8 to 21 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week to allow crews to install scaffolding and hoarding.
In late September, one northbound lane on 97th Street will be closed during daytime, off-peak hours for another three weeks to allow for material deliveries.
ETS Routes 111, 130X, 150X and 900X, as well as St. Albert Transit Route 211, will be detoured. You can check out the Edmonton Transit Service website for a full list of closed and alternate stops.
Construction of the new gate began in March and is expected to be completed in 2027.