This paper describes the process, challenges, lessons learned, and cooperation required
between the Developer, City and Consultant to develop an innovative and context sensitive
concept plan for a developer-initiated 1.6km arterial road in a new growth area in west
Edmonton (Secord and Rosenthal Neighbourhoods). The approved plan includes five
roundabout intersections, reduced lanes and right-of-way width, and is anticipated to provide
superior operations to a conventional four-lane divided arterial roadway with signalized
intersections.
It has been common practice in Edmonton for Developers to be involved in the design and
construction of arterial roads. However, typically concept (functional) planning has been
completed by or under the direction of City staff. Strong growth in Edmonton has accelerated
demand for new arterial roadways, stretching City planning resources. To meet the demand for
planning of arterial roadways in new growth areas, the City recently implemented a process
where planning of arterial roads in new areas can be completed by the Developer’s
Consultant(s), supported by a City approval process.
The desire for Consultants to be innovative and develop new approaches to planning arterials is
often stifled by the desire to obtain quick approvals, which are most easily achieved by
maintaining the status quo, applying existing standards, and generally not looking outside-thebox
for more context-sensitive design solutions. While undertaking the 92 Avenue planning
study between 215 Street and 231 Street in Edmonton, Al-Terra Engineering Ltd. identified early
on that the arterial was an ideal candidate for an alternate approach. Since the bordering lands
were primarily residential, including a large district park, a context-sensitive design was
desirable to promote lower traffic speeds and create a pedestrian/bicycle friendly environment.
Al-Terra Engineering Ltd. was afforded the rare opportunity by their client, MLC Group Inc., to
challenge the status quo and develop an arterial roadway incorporating several roundabout
intersections.
Although cautious of the alternative design solution, the City provided support and assurances
that if the design could be technically supported they would provide due consideration and work
with the Consultant to advance the alternate design through to approval. Although the concept
planning process took longer than usual due to the detailed reviews required and the
educational aspects of the planning study, the plan was recently approved by the City of
Edmonton. The Developer, Consultant, and City successfully collaborated to develop a contextsensitive, alternative design solution for this new arterial roadway.
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