City administration is putting their recommendation for the first stage of Green Line LRT construction to council today, with officials outlining a route extending from 16 Avenue N in Crescent Heights, under the Bow River and through downtown to 126 Avenue SE in Shepard. To be the longest LRT line ever constructed at one time in Calgary's history, the $4.65 billion first stage will carry nearly 60,000 Calgarians across 20 kilometres and 14 stations.

Green Line LRT, image via City of Calgary

"Building the core of the Green Line LRT is essential to supporting Calgary’s growth," said Mac Logan, General Manager of Transportation for the City of Calgary. "We have a unique opportunity now to apply for a significant amount of funding. In building the most technically complex piece of the project first, we will be well positioned to expand the line in affordable, incremental pieces as more funding becomes available."

The City has indicated their intention to begin construction on the project in 2020, with completion expected six years later. From now until opening day, work associated with the first stage is estimated to create over 12,000 direct construction jobs. Another 400 long-term jobs will be needed to operate and maintain this section of the line.

The first stage of the Green Line LRT, image via City of Calgary

"This staging recommendation is the right approach for Calgary, today and in the long-term," said Logan. "Stage 1 is ready for construction, demand for the line will only continue to grow, and with the economic down-turn, this is the right time to invest in jobs and make this project a reality."

The first stage only represents half of the full route that will stretch from North Pointe to Seton. The eight stations beyond 16 Avenue N and the five stations south of Shepard currently have no timetable for construction. Previous cost estimates put construction of the entire line at $4.5 billion, a figure that's now less than the cost of just the first stage. The ballooning budget can mainly be attributed to alignment and design decisions made by council, including tunnelling under the Bow River.

Artist's illustration of a Green Line station, image via City of Calgary

The full Green Line plan will be put to council on June 26, when a final alignment will be voted on. The City is expecting formal funding announcements from the provincial and federal governments shortly thereafter. While the federal government has committed $1.5 billion for the project, the province is waiting until the cost is confirmed to contribute cash.

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