Horseshoe Creek project

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Access and traffic detours 
Starling Drive connection
Repair plans

Heavy rainfall in June caused significant erosion in Horseshoe Creek, damaging both 137 Avenue and the nearby pedestrian bridge at the creek crossing. Both are unsafe to use and remain closed.

We know how important 137 Avenue is for communities around Big Lake. EPCOR and the City of Edmonton are working together to restore safe access for residents west of the creek as quickly as possible.

Access and traffic detours 

The main detour for communities west of the creek (Starling West and Trumpeter) is via 199 Street and 118A Avenue to Winterburn Road.

On June 29, the City of Edmonton adjusted signal timing at Yellowhead Trail and the Winterburn Road/215 Street interchanges. These changes are expected to help reduce congestion. Traffic conditions will continue to be monitored and adjusted as needed.

Starling Drive east of Horseshoe Creek remains accessible from 137 Avenue via Ray Gibbon Drive.

Map highlighting the work taking place in Horseshoe Creek.

Starling Drive connection

The City of Edmonton is working with a developer to speed up completion of the Starling Drive connection. Once complete, it will improve access between the west and east sides of the Starling community.

Repair plans

Since 2024, routine monitoring and post-storm inspections ensured the culvert was operating and the roadway was safe. It was only after recent record-breaking rainfall events that we observed damage significant enough to warrant near-term action.

In June, EPCOR and the City enhanced existing monitoring for erosion along Horseshoe Creek and took steps to protect nearby infrastructure, including installing a bypass to manage increased creek levels and flows by diverting additional flows away from the 137 Avenue crossing.

Safety

For your safety, please stay clear of the work area while we complete this work. Vehicle or pedestrian access beyond the barricades is prohibited.

Despite these efforts, there was extensive damage to the embankment supporting the road, as well as erosion around the pedestrian bridge supports during the significant rainfall events. Repairs are required before the road and bridge can safely reopen. Some emergency work is currently underway. Please avoid this area until further notice.

Work to advance a long-term solution is already underway, with the potential for construction to occur as early as August.

Planned work includes:

Tree removal inside of creek
Installing a new culvert
Restoring the embankment
Repairing the road surface

Because this is an environmentally sensitive area, provincial permits are required. The City and EPCOR will work closely with the Government of Alberta to secure permits as quickly as possible. Tree removal will be required to complete this work. All necessary approvals will be obtained prior to any removal activities.

Next steps for the pedestrian bridge are also in development and may take longer to complete.

We will share anticipated timelines for all work once they are confirmed.

Stay informed

Email: epcorprojects@epcor.com - to be added to our distribution list and receive future updates.
Phone: 780-412-4200