Streetcar service could extend to Whyte Avenue

The Edmonton Radial Railway Society is looking to expand its tracks to Whyte Avenue for passenger pick-up.

The societys streetcar services currently extend to the Old Strathcona Farmers Market building at 84th Avenue.

Under its new proposal, new tracks would be laid extending east from the current terminus, crossing four lanes of traffic at Gateway Boulevard before turning south and running up to Whyte Avenue.

President Chris Ashdown says the move could help raise the societys profile. The proposed terminus could also be the site of a small museum or tourist information centre in the future.

Having a new location ... right in the heart of Old Strathcona would be a lot more visible to the public. Where we are currently located, it tends to be hidden away by the Arts Barns on the north side of the farmers market so it's not always easy for people to reach.

Ashdown said extending the route will not cause future traffic problems.

The traffic isn't continuous. It is broken up by the stoplights on Whyte Avenue, so we don't see that as being a big problem.

Ashdown also said the train will be running in off-hours, from 11 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.

The total costs for the project would be about $1.2 million, most of which would be spent installing the new tracks.

Ashdown said the city and province have already committed funds; now, the society is waiting for Ottawa to kick in the final third.

More than 60,000 people ride the High Level streetcar every year.