[Corndogger]

A vote for seperation within one year of Dion taking power would make me happy. Never again.

I hope Saskatchewan would follow, and if BC wanted to get together, I might agree to the tax if it all was put into renewables and transit in Western Canada.

Let the eastern bastards freeze in the dark. Dion first. It will be good in the long run for us, yeah, what the disgusting liberals always say. I would find a small tax cool, along with a carbon trading system just for the western provinces.

I should be honest, I hated the east when I had to live there for a few years, I didn't like the culture or the people and how shallow and pc they were. We don't need em, so why are we still here, do we get off on the abuse and the drama, and believe we deserve it like some battered woman?

I love your battered woman analogy because I've used it myself before and it makes perfect sense. For us to continually put with all of this crap makes us look like we are idiots and afraid to stand up for ourselves. We need to start calling the shots since we are the ones paying the bills in this country. Screw Dion and his carbon tax. Stelmach, Wall, etc. need to tell Ottawa we want immediate Senate reform (nothing less than Triple E will do), the end of equalization payments, electoral reform, the number of members of parliament from each province to be based solely on population (get rid of ancient deals favoring Quebec and the Maritimes) and readjusted with each census (also no more expanding of Parliament--it'll bigger than the House of Representatives in the US before you know it) and the abolishment of the CBC, CRTC and all of other institutions that are nothing but taxpayer supported cheerleaders for the Liberal party. If we're told to go to hell I say we separate at once and pass laws forbidding companies from trading with eastern Canada. They need us a lot more than we need them.

[MalcolmTucker]

:previous:

The only way short of separation to reduce the amount of carbon tax paid in Alberta would be to, I dunno - reduce emissions?

That would really screw them out east eh? Denying them all that tax revenue? Plus it would help the environment, and our reputation as a province.

If you believe we need to reduce emissions, there is going to be a cost no matter what. Albertans through the market decided to build coal power plants, while other provinces decided to build nuclear plants starting in the 1970s (Ontario and New Brunswick). The true cost of the coal power plants will be shown, by pricing the externality of the pollution.

Is your opposition to this 'tax' and the 'east' a manifestation in this particular case of a lack of belief in mans influence on climate change?

Or is it a kneejerk reaction against liberals? Because the Conservatives committed to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050 aswell.

The cuts will come. A carbon tax shift lets you return the cost of the externality back to the people, so you don't just remove cash from the economy.

[MrOilers]

Or is it a kneejerk reaction against liberals? Because the Conservatives committed to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050 aswell.


I love how politicians ignore problems today and propose and pass legislation that puts future governments on the hook for huge issues and reforms.

Then they have the nerve to take all the credit because they are so "progressive" and have so much foresight towards protecting the environment, yet they don't do a single thing except pass laws that say "We're not going to do or change anything now, but those people in the future better figure out a way to comply with our strict environmental policies, or they'll be in trouble!"

[Corndogger]

:previous:

The only way short of separation to reduce the amount of carbon tax paid in Alberta would be to, I dunno - reduce emissions?

That would really screw them out east eh? Denying them all that tax revenue? Plus it would help the environment, and our reputation as a province.

If you believe we need to reduce emissions, there is going to be a cost no matter what. Albertans through the market decided to build coal power plants, while other provinces decided to build nuclear plants starting in the 1970s (Ontario and New Brunswick). The true cost of the coal power plants will be shown, by pricing the externality of the pollution.

Is your opposition to this 'tax' and the 'east' a manifestation in this particular case of a lack of belief in mans influence on climate change?

Or is it a kneejerk reaction against liberals? Because the Conservatives committed to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050 aswell.

The cuts will come. A carbon tax shift lets you return the cost of the externality back to the people, so you don't just remove cash from the economy.

You seem to be making one huge assumption. That we need to cut emissions. I don't buy into the global warming industry's scare tactics.

Should we be doing more to reduce pollution, protect our water sources, etc.? You'd have a lot of support from me on that front. However, taxing the hell out of companies and people (you do realize that increased taxes forced upon companies just get passed on to us in the form of higher prices) isn't the solution. We need to encourge innovation and reward it. Very interesting article in the Calgary Herald today about how Tata in India (they're building the $2,500 Nano) and others are producing low cost vehicles that get amazing gas mileage and produce a lot less pollution than anyone would have imagined for such a cheap vehicle. Technology is the solution not draconian, politically-based "solutions." We can achieve cleaner air, etc. without committing economic suicide. Kyle, you need to have a lot more faith in what an unfettered, consumer-oriented market can achieve and a lot less in politically imposed "solutions."

Don't forget that while the Liberals were in power and kept preaching to us about how we needed to follow the Kyoto protocal that our emissions level rose twice as fast as they in the US who paid no attention to it. If you want action to be taken don't rely on the government unless your real agenda is to see a major shift of funds from the west to the east because they will only act if it is for their own self interest. If the public truly wants emission levels, etc. to drop (they don't--they want better gas mileage and less pollution) they will demand it from industry. That is how problems get solved.

[0773|=\]

You seem to be making one huge assumption. That we need to cut emissions. I don't buy into the global warming industry's scare tactics.

Should we be doing more to reduce pollution, protect our water sources, etc.? You'd have a lot of support from me on that front. However, taxing the hell out of companies and people (you do realize that increased taxes forced upon companies just get passed on to us in the form of higher prices) isn't the solution. We need to encourge innovation and reward it. Very interesting article in the Calgary Herald today about how Tata in India (they're building the $2,500 Nano) and others are producing low cost vehicles that get amazing gas mileage and produce a lot less pollution than anyone would have imagined for such a cheap vehicle. Technology is the solution not draconian, politically-based "solutions." We can achieve cleaner air, etc. without committing economic suicide. Kyle, you need to have a lot more faith in what an unfettered, consumer-oriented market can achieve and a lot less in politically imposed "solutions."

Don't forget that while the Liberals were in power and kept preaching to us about how we needed to follow the Kyoto protocal that our emissions level rose twice as fast as they in the US who paid no attention to it. If you want action to be taken don't rely on the government unless your real agenda is to see a major shift of funds from the west to the east because they will only act if it is for their own self interest. If the public truly wants emission levels, etc. to drop (they don't--they want better gas mileage and less pollution) they will demand it from industry. That is how problems get solved.

Too often though, a free market without the slightest bit of legislation creates products that exploit those "loopholes" and are more concerned about the quick buck than the contribution they make to pollution, dirty water sources, etc.

There has to be a balance, because freedom of an economy is important as well. Government legislation has to intervene when the need for that is obvious. I believe what many people on this forum are trying to say is that climate change has too many variables because it's impact is heavily dependent on INDIVIDUAL's lifestyles/choices, and the economy doesn't like to be responsible for that.

While I'm not entirely sold on Dion's proposal, I think it's a step in the right direction and needs to be fine-tuned, being mindful of established economies, so they have opportunities to adapt.

[0773|=\]

...but back on the topic of AHD. I must say, a tip of the hat to TSM for their maintenance on the SW route. They've been very prompt at fixing up sections where the soil settled low (creating dips). It's nice being able to drive over the Whitemud without bottoming out my shocks, as happened earlier on in the year.

Now as long as the interchanges in that area are well on their way to being constructed, we'll have ourselves a roadway!

[Corndogger]

...but back on the topic of AHD. I must say, a tip of the hat to TSM for their maintenance on the SW route. They've been very prompt at fixing up sections where the soil settled low (creating dips). It's nice being able to drive over the Whitemud without bottoming out my shocks, as happened earlier on in the year.

Now as long as the interchanges in that area are well on their way to being constructed, we'll have ourselves a roadway!

Is the provincial government still in charge of building those interchanges or did they wise up and go P3? We're in the same boat here in Calgary. The government controlled section is a disaster and the first P3 portion which started construction nearly 3 years later is actually going to be done first and be a full freeway.

[IKAN104]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people actually believe in this "global warming crisis". It's the biggest hoax in human history.

I'm in favour of reducing pollution for the sake of human health, but this crap about destroying our planet is a joke. To think that we could actually have so much impact on this amazing planet is arrogant to say the least.

Don't worry about mother earth. She can take care of herself.

Now ... let the flaming begin. :D

[vaportrail]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people actually believe in this "global warming crisis". It's the biggest hoax in human history.
Ummm, no. Based on population, that would be religion.

I'm in favour of reducing pollution for the sake of human health, but this crap about destroying our planet is a joke. To think that we could actually have so much impact on this amazing planet is arrogant to say the least.

Don't worry about mother earth. She can take care of herself.

Now ... let the flaming begin. :D
No need to flame. Not much can counter an attitude that billions of tonnes of airborne polutants annually will have no significant affect on the planet's climate and ecosystem.

[IKAN104]

Gee, you guys are letting me off easy.

[0773|=\]

Is the provincial government still in charge of building those interchanges or did they wise up and go P3? We're in the same boat here in Calgary. The government controlled section is a disaster and the first P3 portion which started construction nearly 3 years later is actually going to be done first and be a full freeway.

No funding options have been decided on yet. We already have a section (SE leg of AHD that was funded and built through the P3 process. On top of that, the group signed to a contract to manage all maintenance of that and the SW section (built by the province) for the next 40 years. That's what I was pleased with... they've actually been out there MAINTAINING the SW Anthony Henday.

Back to P3's though... they cannot be undertaken when major environmental assessment is required. The SE leg of AHD was ok, because it ran through farmland. The North leg from Yellowhead (west) to Manning is fine too (it's proceeding as a P3 project. Construction starts this fall), but the SW and NE sections require major crossings of the North Saskatchewan which require a more thorough environmental assessment. That's why the province has to take those reigns. Nice to see that they've really handed as much as possible over to the P3 implementation, while making their direct project as small as possible (from Yellowhead east to Manning Drive).

[0773|=\]

Alberta Transportation just posted the most recent open house (June 19) documents for initial and ultimate stages for the Stony Plain Road interchange:

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType353/production/ahdfsplan.pdf

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType353/production/ahdltplan.pdf

Personally, I think the ammount of land used for the 87 Ave ramps is excessive. SPR makes sense because that's a systems interchange with directional ramps, but the 87 Ave interchange is a simple diamond interchange, but an important access to WEM, yet it's accessibility from both Whitemud and SPR/100 Ave is eliminated. I understand their desire to avoid weave-zones (read: potential traffic snarls) at all costs. I just think it's a bit of a pain that local traffic is becoming an afterthought for this otherwise nice freeway.

[e909]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people actually believe in this "global warming crisis". It's the biggest hoax in human history.

I'm in favour of reducing pollution for the sake of human health, but this crap about destroying our planet is a joke. To think that we could actually have so much impact on this amazing planet is arrogant to say the least.

Don't worry about mother earth. She can take care of herself.

Now ... let the flaming begin. :D
Do people expect that Canada's contribution to lowering GHG will make any impact whatsoever? Even if Canada completely abolished all industry, all transportation, all heating, I think that the increase in pollution from developing countries would outmatch that in a few years...

I just don't see why we should give developing countries an economic advantage on our dime. Kyoto seems like the biggest fraud imaginable.

[Corndogger]

Do people expect that Canada's contribution to lowering GHG will make any impact whatsoever? Even if Canada completely abolished all industry, all transportation, all heating, I think that the increase in pollution from developing countries would outmatch that in a few years...

I just don't see why we should give developing countries an economic advantage on our dime. Kyoto seems like the biggest fraud imaginable.

It wouldn't take them a few years to match what we produce. China and India would probably match what we do in less than a month and there is no way they are going to slow down their economies. Besides, there a lot of other problems that are way more serious than global warming (kids, facts say we've been cooling the last decade!). Like the fact that most of us want be able to afford food soon which just happens to be a byproduct of this crazy global warming scare.

[Hooter]

E909,

Your bang on...bravo!

Hooter

[Wrecker]

July 30, 2008
Construction set to begin on north Edmonton ring road

Edmonton... With construction set to begin August 1, motorists will be driving on the 21-kilometre north leg of Edmonton’s ring road by the fall of 2011.
“Anthony Henday Drive Northwest will significantly improve traffic in Edmonton’s north end when it opens in 2011,” said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation. “Using the made-in-Alberta P3 highway solution will mean this roadway is built two years sooner and at a cost savings for Albertans.”

The Alberta government has signed a 30-year contract with the NORTHWESTCONNECT General Partnership to design, build, operate and partially finance Anthony Henday Drive from Yellowhead Trail on the west side of Edmonton to Manning Drive. This Public-Private Partnership (P3) project also includes the maintenance of Anthony Henday Drive NW.

The P3 selection process is based on the net present value (NPV) of the project, or the value of the project in today’s dollars. The three bids (NPV) the province received were $1.42 billion, $1.49 billion, and $1.65 billion. The cost of doing the same work through traditional delivery methods is estimated at $1.66 billion (NPV) in today's dollars. The NORTHWESTCONNECT General Partnership had the lowest bid price at $1.42 billion, which includes the cost to design, construct, maintain, and all financing for the project.

The Alberta government will advance $500 million during construction and then start payments over the 30 years to NORTHWESTCONNECT General Partnership once the Anthony Drive NW opens to traffic.

“Bilfinger Berger Project Investments Inc. is very pleased to be involved as a partner with the province of Alberta in delivering this key component of road infrastructure,” said John McArthur, President of Bilfinger Berger Projects Investments Inc. “Bilfinger and the entire NORTHWESTCONNECT team looks forward to working with Alberta Transportation and all other stakeholders as we move into the construction phase.”

The 21-kilometre north leg of the ring road will be free-flow with no signal lights and will include eight interchanges, five flyovers, and two rail crossings, for a total of 27 bridge structures. Anthony Henday Drive NW is the third project to use Alberta's P3 procurement model for highways. The arrangement was used to build the southeast leg of Anthony Henday Drive. It is also being used to complete the northeast leg of Calgary’s ring road, which will open to traffic in fall 2009.

[TimB09]

I was wondering what was happening with the north end section of Anthony Henday. Now I know.

Thanks Wrecker!

[mersar]

Good to hear its about to get underway. Most of the players in the partnership that got the contract are also the ones involved in the NE portion of Calgary's ringroad (Flatiron has the bulk of both partnerships), though I don't believe any of the major partners were involved in the previous P3 part in Edmonton.

[Coldrsx]

NW will be nice but the NE, with the new bridge, is when i will cheer

[0773|=\]

I wonder if anytime soon, the province will go through the eastern section of the ring road, and overhaul the Sherwood Park Freeway interchange? That is probably one of the most glaring sub-standard designs along the entire route.

[Markus41]

Do people expect that Canada's contribution to lowering GHG will make any impact whatsoever? Even if Canada completely abolished all industry, all transportation, all heating, I think that the increase in pollution from developing countries would outmatch that in a few years...

I just don't see why we should give developing countries an economic advantage on our dime. Kyoto seems like the biggest fraud imaginable.

So let's just give up and drown ourselves in our own waste and pollution.

God, humans are stupid creatures. No wonder this planet is falling apart.

[Jasper and one o nin]

they have to finish what they didnt do on the sw portion.

[Coldrsx]

I wonder if anytime soon, the province will go through the eastern section of the ring road, and overhaul the Sherwood Park Freeway interchange? That is probably one of the most glaring sub-standard designs along the entire route.

that is part of the NE

[ZiZiPop]

NW will be nice but the NE, with the new bridge, is when i will cheer

:yes:

[e909]

So let's just give up and drown ourselves in our own waste and pollution.

God, humans are stupid creatures. No wonder this planet is falling apart.
That's not what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting that maybe we don't ruin our economy to benefit our direct competitors all while accomplishing nothing.

[rapid_business]

...and now moving on to AHD discussion...

[sdimedru]

...and now moving on to AHD discussion...

good idea....


so does anyone know what the deal is with the 66st/AHD interchange? It appears as though the 66st road won't actually make it to the freeway yet, or will it be done by someone else?

[zooter]

good idea....


so does anyone know what the deal is with the 66st/AHD interchange? It appears as though the 66st road won't actually make it to the freeway yet, or will it be done by someone else?

there will be no on/off ramp at 66 street, its just a flyover

[sdimedru]

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType353/Production/NWASch18AppADrawings.pdf

not according to this, but no on/off at 82st, just a flyover.

my question is the roads leading up to the interchange... are they to be done by the city? now? at a later date?

[240glt]

my question is the roads leading up to the interchange... are they to be done by the city? now? at a later date?

City I believe... that's why they're still screwing around with the 50th street interchange a year later

[lubicon]

Good to hear its about to get underway. Most of the players in the partnership that got the contract are also the ones involved in the NE portion of Calgary's ringroad (Flatiron has the bulk of both partnerships), though I don't believe any of the major partners were involved in the previous P3 part in Edmonton.


Great news. Now hopefully the next announcement from the province is a similar P3 extension of Stoney Trail in Calgary.

NW will be nice but the NE, with the new bridge, is when i will cheer

Same hear. The majority of my travels to Edmonton now involve coming in on the QE2 and bypassing the city on my way to Redwater. Right now it's a little convoluted and you have to go through Ft Saskatchewan which is following the traditional growth model by reducing the speed limit and putting ever more traffic lights along the highway:hell:

[CMD UW]

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType353/Production/NWASch18AppADrawings.pdf

not according to this, but no on/off at 82st, just a flyover.

my question is the roads leading up to the interchange... are they to be done by the city? now? at a later date?The connection roads leading to the Henday will be built by the City and ready for use when the Henday is open in 2011.

[mersar]

The connection roads leading to the Henday will be built by the City and ready for use when the Henday is open in 2011.

At least they will be ready when it opens, the P3 portion in Calgary is likely going to have 2 interchanges that won't be connected to anything (Metis Trail and Airport Trail) until well after that portion of the road opens as the city is still working to acquire the land needed for the roads last I heard, with just over a year to go.

[0773|=\]

Within the TUC is obviously done by the province, but looking at that map, were there really that many streets that needed improvements leading up to the Henday?

[Coldrsx]

^yes

[Wrecker]

I wonder if anytime soon, the province will go through the eastern section of the ring road, and overhaul the Sherwood Park Freeway interchange? That is probably one of the most glaring sub-standard designs along the entire route.

It's under consideration, along with other improvements to both the SPF, and the existing Hwy 216 on the east side.

[leendert]

I also wish there was at least some consideration for cyclist to get out of the city safely. Whitemud has a number of overpasses, but getting out of the city on a bicycle is not so easy, since the city is essentially enclosed by a 100m wide strip of concrete and asphalt and overpasses that are designed to keep cars going as quickly as possible.

I occasionally ride my road bike in Strathcona County and ride on the gravel covered shoulders of the Sherwood Park freeway. It is not a pleasant ride, and crossing through merge and exit lanes is dangerous.

Some of the new crossings over AHD southwest are more reasonable, however, there are at least sidewalks and pedestrian lights at the intersections before and after the bridge over the AHD (e.g. the AHD can be crossed safely at the 111 street intersection).

[mersar]

Just looking through some tender awards from the province, looks like the AHD/Stony Plain Road/100 Ave interchange RFQ tender closed last Monday with about 2 dozen companies at least requesting tender packages. The site prep tender closed the day before, so expect to see some work starting up there pretty soon.

[Coldrsx]

^2 dozen...wow...things have really slowed down. If i recall 23ave had 3 bidders.

But either way that's great to hear for it will mean a far more competitive bid and quality job.

[mersar]

Yeah, theres been a few projects that have been low on bidders that I've seen listed. Looking through the list its mostly the usual companies (Aecon, Graham, Bilfinger Berger, Concreate, Carmacks, Stantec, SNC Lavalin, Flatiron, etc.), though it is only an RFQ so theres still one more step to go before its awarded.

[feepa]

Just looking through some tender awards from the province, looks like the AHD/Stony Plain Road/100 Ave interchange RFQ tender closed last Monday with about 2 dozen companies at least requesting tender packages. The site prep tender closed the day before, so expect to see some work starting up there pretty soon.

Thank god... in my opinion, this interchange is needed almost as badly as 23ave/Gateway...

So now the yellowhead lights on the henday will be taken care of by NW AHD completion, That just leaves the 2.5 sets of lights on the west end... When can we expect RFQ for that?

[Coldrsx]

^i couldnt imagine them being very far away...

[feepa]

Thank god, cause completing the NW AHD and sending even more traffic onto the SW portion will be a traffic nightmare!

The lights on Henday/100 ave already back up sooo far at peak times... and same with the other lights. With heavy trucks and semis on the road, it frequently takes several lights to get through one set of lights at peak periods. Some freeway!

[0773|=\]

Yeah, I noticed it was getting equally bad at Callingwood Road. Somedays when I would drive home from work, I would barely be able to exit at Whitemud EB, because traffic would be backing up that far from Callingwood Road.

[240glt]

EDMONTON - Premier Ed Stelmach drove a silver shovel blade into the ground this morning, officially starting construction on the 21-kilometre northwest leg of Anthony Henday Drive.

The premier was joined by Transportation Minister Luke Ouellette as well as politicians and dignitaries from across the city.

Northwestconnect, a group of Canadian and international contractors, will build, operate and partly finance the project under a public, private partnership agreement with the provincial government. The project will cost roughly $1.42 billion.

There's always criticism of government proceeding with public-private partnerships," Stelmach said. "But we know that P3 construction is much more efficient and there are very strict penalties in place if the project isn't completed on schedule. So there's tremendous benefit."

The newest piece of the road will stretch from the Yellowhead to Manning Drive and will feature a total of 29 bridge structures.

Unlike the southwest leg, it will be completely free flow, with no stop lights. Stelmach said the entire ring road will be free-flowing by 2015.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=07af50b0-8603-4989-96e8-9ca3bd01e706

[lubicon]

EDMONTON - Premier Ed Stelmach drove a silver shovel blade into the ground this morning, officially starting construction on the 21-kilometre northwest leg of Anthony Henday Drive.

The premier was joined by Transportation Minister Luke Ouellette as well as politicians and dignitaries from across the city.

Northwestconnect, a group of Canadian and international contractors, will build, operate and partly finance the project under a public, private partnership agreement with the provincial government. The project will cost roughly $1.42 billion.

There's always criticism of government proceeding with public-private partnerships," Stelmach said. "But we know that P3 construction is much more efficient and there are very strict penalties in place if the project isn't completed on schedule. So there's tremendous benefit."

The newest piece of the road will stretch from the Yellowhead to Manning Drive and will feature a total of 29 bridge structures.

Unlike the southwest leg, it will be completely free flow, with no stop lights. Stelmach said the entire ring road will be free-flowing by 2015.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=07af50b0-8603-4989-96e8-9ca3bd01e706

I wonder if he is referring to the fact that the SW portion will have all the lights removed by then, or does he mean the entire ring road will be completed by 2015? Am I reading too much into his words?

[240glt]

^ I believe that he means that the entire ring road will be done by then, but I don't know if that includes pulling out the three sets of lights just north of the River on the SW portion. I'd hope so, but assume not.

[JAH]

Just south/east of the new windermere development, it looks like a new overpass is being constucted? They've already started paving the entrance/exit lanes. When is this interchange gonna be done?

[IKAN104]

I saw pegs in the ground at the SPR/AHD interchange site. Looks like work has started.

[240glt]

I believe that's a whole seperate tender, but is being done concurrently with the NW portion

[Jasper and one o nin]

I saw a front end loader on the site (in the middle of spr and ahd) on wednesday.

[0773|=\]

They've already done planning studies on Callingwood Road and Lessard. I'm sure detailed design and contract tendering will soon follow. Cameron Heights was supposed to be paid in part by the developer that put that subdivision in that area. As for the Windermere on-ramps, I think that interchange is only going to be right-in/right-out for now, and an overpass will happen later.

[deedub35]

Website is up ... http://www.northwestconnect.ca/

[Coldrsx]

^what a massive difference this will make for northend traffic. I cannot wait to see the NE done though for the new bridge will be fun to watch get built.

[mersar]

Good to see the site is up (and its an almost identical copy of the Stoney Trail Group site for the NE Calgary ring road).

[lubicon]

Good to see the site is up (and its an almost identical copy of the Stoney Trail Group site for the NE Calgary ring road).

You beat me to it. Too bad, as the Stoney Trail website is pathetic in my opinion, especially compared to the one for SE AHD.

[mersar]

From an AB transportation news release:

October 20, 2008
Construction to start in spring on Henday/Stony Plain Rd. interchange
Innovative design-build approach accelerates timelines on Edmonton project

Edmonton... The province has asked three groups to submit proposals to develop the Anthony Henday Drive/Stony Plain Road interchange using a new design-build approach.

“Alberta Transportation is using an innovative approach to completing the Stony Plain Road interchange by combining the design and construction of the project into one contract,” said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation. “By using this approach, the interchange will be open to traffic one year sooner than if we completed the design first, then tendered and built the project.”
Three groups were selected following a Request for Qualifications process. The three groups are:
Aecon Construction and Materials Ltd.
KMC/PCL, a Joint Venture
SNC-Lavalin Constructors (Pacific) Inc.“All of the submissions have met the qualification standards set by the province,” said Ouellette. “We are now asking these three groups to submit their proposals.”
The Request for Proposals will close in early 2009. Bids from the three consortia will then be evaluated to ensure they represent good value for taxpayers. The successful proponent is expected to be chosen by March 2009, with construction beginning as early as spring 2009 and completed by fall 2011.
Alberta Transportation issued a Request for Qualifications for the design and construction of the interchange. The submissions were evaluated based on experience, qualifications of personnel, and past performance. The groups are consortia composed of construction and design companies. Although the project is larger and more complex than a typical interchange, it was not a candidate for a public-private partnership (P3) because it is not efficient to include long-term maintenance, a key component of a P3, for a single interchange location.
The Stony Plain interchange will be a full systems interchange with free flow in all directions and will include seven bridges. To ensure a fair, competitive bidding process, government will not release cost estimates until after the contract is awarded.
Planning work is continuing on the other southwest Anthony Henday interchanges. Alberta Transportation is completing the design of the Callingwood Road and the Lessard Road interchanges and this work is expected to be completed in the coming months. Design work on the Cameron Heights interchange is expected to begin in the coming months.

[deedub35]

Letter in today's Journal. Some people just don't understand.

Henday traffic lights offer welcome relief
The Edmonton Journal
Published: 2:33 am

City council's plan to make Anthony Henday Drive a traffic-light-free ring road by 2015 amuses me. How ridiculous can we get?

Where is the need and where will the money come from? Our taxes are already high. Every year, property taxes, utility service charges, parking and transit fees, and licence and other fees are increasing.

Those who prefer to live in the suburbs must allow extra time for commuting. A few minutes stop at an intersection is not going to amount to a whole lot of delay, especially if the traffic lights are synchronized.

I, for one, enjoy the drive, wherever it might be and welcome traffic lights, which are an opportunity to relax from the concentration needed while driving.

G.J. Singh, Edmonton

[craner]

Letter in today's Journal. Some people just don't understand.

Henday traffic lights offer welcome relief
The Edmonton Journal
Published: 2:33 am

City council's plan to make Anthony Henday Drive a traffic-light-free ring road by 2015 amuses me. How ridiculous can we get?

Where is the need and where will the money come from? Our taxes are already high. Every year, property taxes, utility service charges, parking and transit fees, and licence and other fees are increasing.

Those who prefer to live in the suburbs must allow extra time for commuting. A few minutes stop at an intersection is not going to amount to a whole lot of delay, especially if the traffic lights are synchronized.

I, for one, enjoy the drive, wherever it might be and welcome traffic lights, which are an opportunity to relax from the concentration needed while driving.

G.J. Singh, Edmonton

:previous: WOW! That is an amazing point of view. Like you said - some people just don't get it.

[240glt]

^^ Wow. What an idiot.

[Jasper and one o nin]

The Journal is just facilitating stupidity?
Letter in today's Journal. Some people just don't understand.

Henday traffic lights offer welcome relief
The Edmonton Journal
Published: 2:33 am

City council's plan to make Anthony Henday Drive a traffic-light-free ring road by 2015 amuses me. How ridiculous can we get?

Where is the need and where will the money come from? Our taxes are already high. Every year, property taxes, utility service charges, parking and transit fees, and licence and other fees are increasing.

Those who prefer to live in the suburbs must allow extra time for commuting. A few minutes stop at an intersection is not going to amount to a whole lot of delay, especially if the traffic lights are synchronized.

I, for one, enjoy the drive, wherever it might be and welcome traffic lights, which are an opportunity to relax from the concentration needed while driving.

G.J. Singh, Edmonton

[Greco Roman]

It seems as though The Journal is now a larger source of pessimism and negativity than The Sun.

[MalcolmTucker]

^ When their parent company has a negative value, and is likely close to going bankrupt I would be negative and pessimistic too!

[Greco Roman]

^ When their parent company has a negative value, and is likely close to going bankrupt I would be negative and pessimistic too!

Who is the parent company?

[CMD UW]

Canwest...

[mersar]

Canwest Global

[Greco Roman]

Canwest Global

This company is not going bankrupt. It may not be at the top of it's game, but its far from bankruptcy.

[MalcolmTucker]

^ I would have another look at their balance sheet if you think that.

They have a craving for cash due to their burn rate and are trying to sell assets but no one is buying.

[Greco Roman]

^ I would have another look at their balance sheet if you think that.

They have a craving for cash due to their burn rate and are trying to sell assets but no one is buying.


Well, these are shitty economic times; many companies are having difficulties right now.

Only when they announce bankruptcy will I believe these rumors, and at this point they are only rumors and gossip.

[240glt]

I knew that the Herald hiring Licia Corbella was a sign of impending doom for CanWest

[CMD UW]

Well, these are shitty economic times; many companies are having difficulties right now.

Only when they announce bankruptcy will I believe these rumors, and at this point they are only rumors and gossip.Actually, CanWest has been struggling on the books waaaay before the credit crisis started.

[feepa]

Actually, CanWest has been struggling on the books waaaay before the credit crisis started.

He's just in denial cause the hq of the company is from Winnipeg... and we all know how protective he is of anything Winnipeg...

[SHOFEAR]

/\ I've never noticed....

[Prairie Guy]

He's just in denial cause the hq of the company is from Winnipeg... and we all know how protective he is of anything Winnipeg...

You mean, just like people from Edmonton were so protective of their city when outsiders were essentially calling it a dirty dump in the "rate your city" thread?

I think we are all protective of our hometowns; Edmontonians are no exception.

[0773|=\]

Agh! This is obviously nothing new, but there are tons of people who I have had to tell REPEATEDLY that the Henday IS NOT a city project. It's the province's.

People here don't even comprehend that in most provincial routes within municipal jurisdictions are normally still funded by the province... except Alberta.

That guy's point I don't think was so directed towards the Henday, but to the fact that so much of our day-to-day lives is goverened by time, schedules, etc., he just used the Henday as a scapegoat... and a very poor one at that.

I suppose he's never driven the route during rush hour. If he has all the time in the world though, someone should just look his number up in the White Pages, offer to go out for a leisurely coffee with him, and explain this infrastructure funding a little more clearly for him.

[Great Dane]

/\ I've never noticed....

Really? I notice it quite a bit from a few Winnipeg posters.

Huge inferiority complex and fierce defenders of anything Winnipeg.

[Great Dane]

You mean, just like people from Edmonton were so protective of their city when outsiders were essentially calling it a dirty dump in the "rate your city" thread?

I think we are all protective of our hometowns; Edmontonians are no exception.

The difference is those comments are not justifiable and instead are made just to get reactions out of people.

[Prairie Guy]

Really? I notice it quite a bit from a few Winnipeg posters.

Huge inferiority complex and fierce defenders of anything Winnipeg.

I'm sorry, but I've seen the exact same inferiority complex and fierce defenders of anything Edmonton from Edmontonians; it's quite obvious especially when it comes to being compared with Calgary.

Perhaps both Winnipeggers and Edmontonians need to chill out a bit and lighten up about their cities; since they are both pretty damn fine cities :)

[Kevin_foster]

New Thread idea?

[Great Dane]

I'm sorry, but I've seen the exact same inferiority complex and fierce defenders of anything Edmonton from Edmontonians; it's quite obvious especially when it comes to being compared with Calgary.

Perhaps both Winnipeggers and Edmontonians need to chill out a bit and lighten up about their cities; since they are both pretty damn fine cities :)



You're right, Edmonton is a damn fine city. :banana:

Winnipeg is alright... I guess.

[Prairie Guy]

Winnipeg is alright... I guess.

Well, you must think it's a great city too, as I've seen you frequent the Winnipeg threads often.

That's ok, you don't have to admit it; I know how you feel :)

[Great Dane]

Well, you must think it's a great city too, as I've seen you frequent the Winnipeg threads often.

That's ok, you don't have to admit it; I know how you feel :)

I've frequented once or twice.

I lived in Winnipeg for a couple of years. It's a fine city, little bit too small for my liking but it's a good place.

I like Edmonton better though. :cheers:

[feepa]

Ok, lets not derail this thread any further please ...

Thanks.

On with the thread - its amazing to see how much work has already been done on the NW Section of the Henday from Yellowhead to 156 st

[Great Dane]

Ok, lets not derail this thread any further please ...

Thanks.

On with the thread - its amazing to see how much work has already been done on the NW Section of the Henday from Yellowhead to 156 st

Remind me why our ring road has traffic lights again?

Almost everybody I know thinks its a joke... it really is.

[240glt]

Everyone agrees on this.

It's likely due to the decision being made like five years ago, and a lack of forethought into how busy it might get.

Those lights'll be gone by the time the NE portion is done. Guaranteed.

[feepa]

^ those lights better be gone by the time the NW is done.

[IKAN104]

I can see the graders from my house now. I'm at the edge of the city near 97th Street. Hopefully the weather holds up and they can get lots done this year. How much will winter slow them down? Anyone know?

[Coldrsx]

^initially not that much, but once frost gets into the ground...

[0773|=\]

Can't wait to see how much is done when I'm home at the end of the year :D

[Wrecker]

Remind me why our ring road has traffic lights again?

Almost everybody I know thinks its a joke... it really is.

Be appreciative for what we have (AHD didn't hardly even exist a few short years ago), but be ecstatic for we'll have soon.

[bulliver]

Has anyone been able to find ultimate configuration plans for the SW leg of the Henday? I would like to see what they intend to with the Terwilligar/170 St interchange, since it appears to be awaiting another bridge. I had thought the intention was to make Terwilligar controlled access south to Hwy 19 or the future east-west freeway I've seen plans of? They are making this difficult with all the access to 170 St around Ambleside and Windermere.

Also, they appear to be cheaping out at the Rabbit Hill/156 St interchange and opening with just right-in/right-out. When will there be a bridge here?

I would also like to know what final plans are for 119/127 St. Will there be a full interchange here? Just a flyover?

[Coldrsx]

google is your friend

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/3111.htm

[bulliver]

Thanks Coldrsx, but I've seen these. They just detail the current setup. I was looking for 'ultimate stage' drawings.

[240glt]

I'm sure there's a master plan somewhere but it hasn't been posted here I don't think

[feepa]

heres the ultimate stage for SPR/AHD

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/3310.htm

[rapid_business]

/\ As per Terwilligar, It's still in discussion with Alta. Transportation. The argument is weather it goes completely free-flow, highway status from AHD all the way south, or if there is a segment where it slows down to 3-lanes, city street, a la 111th, etc.

It's all still yet to be decided form what I understand.

[Coldrsx]

outhwest Edmonton residents want action on noisy Anthony Henday Drive


BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COMFEBRUARY 10, 2009 1:04 PM




The southeast leg of the Anthony Henday ring road with the most dramatic element is the triple-deck overpass at Calgary Tr.
Photograph by: Ed Kaiser, Edmonton Journal
EDMONTON — Southwest Edmonton residents gave city councillors an earful Tuesday about the need to reduce the constant din they endure from busy Anthony Henday Drive.

People from Wedgewood, Knottwood and Blackburne Creek called for noise barriers, lower speed limits and increased enforcement of laws against trucks using loud engine-retarder brakes, saying the racquet is disrupting their neighbourhoods and could create health problems.

“People are shutting themselves off, they’re closing their windows so they don’t hear the constant noise,” said Kathleen Edwards, president of the Blackburne Creek Homeowners’ Association.

“Must we become prisoners in our own homes?”

Phil Shewchuk, vice-president of the Wedgewood Homeowners Association, said the province repeatedly promised while the Henday was being planned that it would put up a noise wall when sound levels hit a 60-decibel threshold, but now says the threshold is 65 decibels.

A 2007 study indicated average noise is less than 60 decibels, although residents argue the results are flawed.

A city report says the materials that were distributed were “erroneous” and might have been confused about the level at which civic policy requires action on noise.

Speakers at the transportation and public works committee asked for the city to help push the government for action, but one Knottwood resident said a lawsuit might be required.

City staff will bring back another report on the issue in August.

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Residents+want+action+Anthony+noise/1274124/story.html

[240glt]

Here's a novel idea. Don't like traffic noise ? Don't buy a house next to a freeway.

“Must we become prisoners in our own homes?”

Good grief.

[lubicon]

People from Wedgewood, Knottwood and Blackburne Creek called for noise barriers, lower speed limits and increased enforcement of laws against trucks using loud engine-retarder brakes, saying the racquet is disrupting their neighbourhoods and could create health problems.



Yes, no, and yes.

[Coldrsx]

Yes, no, and yes.

agreed in full.