Overview of Terwillegar Drive at Rainbow Valley

Upgrades to the Whitemud Drive/Terwillegar Drive interchange are a part of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion Program.

Project Update - November 2024

Construction on Stage Two continued through 2024 making progress in enhancing safety, accessibility and traffic flow along Terwillegar Drive. 

2024 Construction Highlights: 

  • Work began on the westbound River Valley Bridge to increase capacity to 4 lanes. This section is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
  • Construction began on the Rainbow Valley Pedestrian Bridge and the 142 Street Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge. 
  • Concrete panels for the bus-only lane retaining wall were installed, and the retaining wall was constructed on westbound Whitemud Drive. 
  • Roadway widening, median barrier construction and drainage upgrades along portions of Whitemud Drive.
  • Noise barrier construction will begin this winter, with landscaping scheduled for spring 2025.

What to Expect in 2025: 

  • Girder and bridge deck installation for the eastbound Rainbow Valley Bridge, the Rainbow Valley Pedestrian Bridge and the 142 Street Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge.
  • Completion of the westbound Rainbow Valley Bridge and traffic pattern shift to the completed bridge to accommodate construction work on the eastbound bridge. 
  • Bus-lane construction from 53 Avenue to Terwillegar Drive and completion of the supporting retaining wall.
  • Widening of Whitemud Drive eastbound between 53 Avenue and 122 Street. 

About the Project

Stage Two consists of Terwillegar Drive and Whitemud Drive Interchange upgrades including major construction on Rainbow Valley Bridge and the widening of Whitemud Drive. Construction is underway to alleviate congestion,  accommodate current and planned transit services, and enhance existing active transportation connections to provide all users with a safe and efficient route.

  • Rehabilitating and widening the Rainbow Valley Bridge to 4 lanes in each direction
  • Whitemud Drive/Terwillegar Drive interchange upgrades: 
    • Widening the westbound Whitemud Drive to southbound Terwillegar Drive loop ramp
    • Widening the northbound Terwillegar Drive to eastbound Whitemud Drive ramp
    • Partial ramp widening: northbound Terwillegar Drive to northbound Whitemud Drive and southbound Whitemud Drive to southbound Terwillegar Drive
  • Whitemud Drive widening to 4 lanes in each direction between Terwillegar Drive and 122 Street
  • A bus-only lane from 53 Avenue to Terwillegar Drive, bypassing the Terwillegar Drive/Whitemud Drive interchange
  • Active transportation: 
  • Retaining walls
  • Noise wall (southbound Whitemud Drive, 47A Avenue to 45 Avenue)
  • Tree impacts and preservation