Edmonton motorists face fewer disruptions in 2012

Edmonton motorists won't face as many disruptions next year because many large road construction projects have wrapped up, a city official said Thursday.

"I think you'll see a fair bit of pothole and road repairs, but other than the neighbourhoods, which are quite extensive, you're not going to see the same level of work next year," said city transportation general manager Bob Boutilier.

Boutilier made the remarks while announcing the end of the 2011 construction season, which saw the completion of the Quesnell Bridge/Whitemud Drive project and the 23rd Avenue interchange.

Another major project, the rehabilitation of 99th Street and Scona Road, will be finished in mid-November.

"This was the biggest road construction project period we've ever had in Edmonton," Boutilier said. "Quite a challenge when you consider we had the most snow, the most mosquitos, and the most rain."

The city will now focus on completing rehabilitation work in Edmonton neighbourhoods as well as continuing construction on the NAIT LRT line.

The new Walterdale bridge is the onlymajor project on the horizon, with construction expected to start in 2013/14, Boutilier said.