Downtown Edmonton is in the midst of a major expansion. With a core investment of $5 billion, private investors, public organizations and developers are working to create a downtown for everyone that is vibrant, eclectic and helps to drive the city in a positive direction. While the expansion is positive, the short term inconvenience has some residents wondering about how it will impact their commute time and general travels into downtown. Throughout the expansion and with the various festivals and activities set to take place, delays are inevitable, but there are steps that you can take to make your commute time and travels smoother.

Peak Traffic

The best advice to follow is to plan ahead and realize that you will likely need to take your time. Downtown traffic in Edmonton can get messy, so giving yourself a few extra minutes, especially during peak traffic time, can go a long way toward making for a smoother experience. Map your route and use Edmonton.ca/trafficdisruptions to discover important information about traffic delays, peak travel times, partial and complete lane closures and rerouting information that will save you some drive time.

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Another great idea is to let someone else take the wheel. The Edmonton Transit  System (ETS) is efficient, cost effective, safe and comfortable. Downtown routes are being given high priority during this peak construction period making this the ideal solution for individuals who prefer to avoid traffic congestion.

Utilizing Public Transit

If you live on the outskirts of town and want to utilize public transit, take advantages of Edmonton’s efficient park and ride program with buses leaving as frequently as every 7 to 8 minutes during the most popular activities. There are several locations for this service including:

Whether you decide to drive yourself or take advantage of ETS services, keep an eye on the local news to learn about variations in traffic patterns as construction continues. The progress being made in downtown Edmonton is impressive, and it sometimes involves making big changes on main and side streets as quickly as on a daily basis. The website www.edmonton.ca also offers residents an option to sign up for emails and notifications as these changes take place. Signing up is easy and means that you are the first to learn about the most up to date information available.

Edmonton’s downtown is once again becoming the heartbeat of the city, and the changes taking place will benefit everyone. Keep your eyes peeled to learn more about these changes, and in the meantime, simplify your daily commute as much as possible. The short term frustrations will be well worth the gains, and they are easy to work through if you take advantage of public transit and remain informed along the way.