Anthony Henday Drive and Stony Plain Road Functional Planning Study

Al-Terra was engaged by Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (Technical Standards Branch) to develop long-term stage systems interchange plans for this key intersection in West Edmonton including a staging plan for implementation. The scope of the study was expanded to include the area from north of Whitemud Drive to north of 111 Avenue, due to issues related to the close spacing of interchanges. Accordingly, it was necessary to develop First Stage and Long-Term Functional Plans for Anthony Henday Drive at 87 Avenue and 111 Avenue as well as develop remedial improvements between Whitemud Drive and 87 Avenue to address current operational issues.

Review and analysis of previous studies, based on new traffic information, suggested that the interchange configuration proposed in 1997 would not meet the long-term requirements established for the project. Nine additional interchange options, with numerous variations, were developed and analyzed. Three of the options were considered technically feasible, based on preliminary analysis, and were selected for more detailed review and evaluation. These options were presented to the public for feedback, which was considered in development of the preferred option.

The study required extensive traffic analysis to confirm long-term traffic demand. The closely spaced interchanges necessitated the use of collector distributor (C-D) roads. Geotechnical challenges such as a high water table and frost susceptible soils significantly influenced vertical geometrics and limited options for depressed ramps. Other key factors included major utility and pipeline crossings and the substandard median width on Anthony Henday Drive. There was close coordination with the City of Edmonton extensive public involvement process to engage landowners. The first stage was delivered as a design-build with free-flow for all movements. The project emphasized constructability, staging, and produced plans beyond Functional Planning detail for a design/build-ready package.