Edmonton launches campaign to cut LRT collisions

Valley Line LRT Sees Multiple Vehicle Collisions

Since the Valley Line LRT opened in November 2023, there have been several vehicle collisions involving the train.

The intersection of 75 Street and Roper Road is particularly problematic.

Differences in Valley Line Design

The Valley Line is designed to blend into traffic and share the road, unlike previous LRT systems in Edmonton. This design does not include crossing arms.

Drivers must adjust to new rules. For example, at many intersections, right turns on red are not allowed. However, not all drivers are aware of these changes.

Collision Statistics

Over the past five years, there have been six collisions with the Capital and Metro LRT lines.

In contrast, the Valley Line has experienced 31 crashes in the last two years and two months.

Fortunately, the number of crashes is decreasing over time.

Public Awareness Campaign

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) aims to continue this trend with a public campaign. This campaign includes a wrap on the train, billboards, social media posts, and commercials.

Hannah Hamilton, AMA’s safe communities manager, stated, “Trains can’t stop on a dime, they can’t swerve out of the way. Really it’s the driver’s responsibility to pay attention when they’re coming to an intersection.”

She added, “We took out the wraps as a really visual way to remind people — don’t hurt the train. We have the band aids on them.”

The wraps feature messages like ‘Ouch’ and ‘Give the train a brake.’

City’s Response

The head of the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) mentioned that the city is improving signage, lane markings, and traffic signals to alert drivers about the train’s presence.

There are currently no plans to add crossing arms.

If there are concerns about the costs of damage to the LRT, ETS stated that drivers are at fault, and their insurance will cover the expenses.