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The southeast segment of the Green Line LRT system will run from the community of Shepard to Calgary’s Grand Central Station.
From left: Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, federal Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland, and provincial Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen. (Photo courtesy of Green Line LRT)
More than a decade in planning, construction of the southeast segment of Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is finally underway. Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland joined Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, provincial minister of transportation and economic corridors Devin Dreeshen, and Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek to put shovels into the ground for the official groundbreaking and kick-off for Phase 1 of the LRT.
The city’s largest-ever infrastructure investment, the Green Line LRT’s $6.248 billion price tag is being funded by all three levels of government and reflects years of work to bring it to this milestone.
“Today’s groundbreaking is truly a significant milestone for the Green Line LRT project and a testament to the power of collaboration in catalyzing major transit projects,” stated Freeland. “This is a tangible step towards making public transit a more accessible, reliable, efficient, and desirable option for Calgarians. We will continue working with our partners to make life easier and more convenient for Calgarians and to make Calgary and Alberta’s economy stronger.”
“The Green Line is a long-term investment in the city’s future. One that will create jobs, support growth, and ensure Calgarians stay connected as the city continues to thrive. Our government is pleased to support this next chapter in Calgary’s story,” added Smith.
The southeast segment, which runs from the community of Shepard to the Event Centre/Grand Central Station in the city’s Beltline, will represent the first 16 kilometres of an overall 46-kilometre vision. Plans are for the line to connect with a future downtown segment and into the existing Red and Blue LRT Lines.
Including the downtown segment, Phase 1 will include 17.2 kilometres of twin-track LRT infrastructure, 12 new stations, a maintenance and storage facility, three Park and Ride lots, and 28 new modern low-floor light rail vehicles.
“The Green Line is about building a faster, smarter Calgary. We’re investing in a transit system that connects people to jobs, cuts commute times, and keeps the city moving for decades to come,” said Dreeshen.
“The Green Line LRT is a generational investment that will create thousands of jobs, unlock new opportunities for housing and development, and shape Calgary’s growth for decades. This is how we build a resilient economy and a city that works for everyone,” stated Gondek. “Calgarians have waited a long time for this moment, and today we deliver on our commitment.”