Horseshoe Creek project

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.

Over the past few weeks, additional heavy rainfall resulted in increased erosion along 137 Avenue at Horseshoe Creek. As a result, water is flowing through the creek and pumps are no longer needed to divert water around the work area. We continue to closely monitor site conditions and can restart the pumps if needed. To help reduce further erosion, tarps have been installed on the slopes of the creek to limit rainwater from soaking into the area.

Safety remains our top priority. Site conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, making the area unsafe for public access. We ask everyone to continue respecting all posted signage and to stay out of the fenced work area. Fencing around the work area was adjusted to allow access to the trail system, however changes may be required based on site conditions and work activities.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as this work progresses.

We continue to work closely with the City of Edmonton to determine the best long-term solution for 137 Avenue to manage increased water flow through Horseshoe Creek.  More information will be provided once details are finalized. In the meantime, EPCOR will continue to monitor conditions and secure the site until the project is ready to move forward.

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.

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 including:

• 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.