Edmonton

NAIT LRT line delayed until end of year

The opening of the Metro LRT line to NAIT will be delayed for at least another six months.

Metro Line was scheduled to roll this spring

Construction on the NAIT LRT line was finished on time, but the signalling system will delay opening until the end of the year. (CBC)

The opening of the Metro LRT line to NAIT will be delayed for at least another six months.

The line which was expected to open this spring, will not be ready until the end of 2014. While the infrastructure is complete and under budget, the new signalling system needed to allow two lines to share the same track is delayed. 

“It is critical that we get that last piece in place working properly and we certainly would never compromise the safety in order to rush the schedule," said LRT branch manager Wayne Mandryk.

Mayor Don Iveson said he was not expecting the lengthy delay. 

"I'm certainly not satisfied with how it's happened, but we have to play the hand we're dealt here but we're doing the best we can."

NAIT students say they are disappointed by the wait. 

"The parking lot is expensive over here," said Jean-Marc Mshimumukiza . "I was counting on the NAIT train because it would be convenient."

“Have to take the bus every day and I think it would probably be nicer to take the LRT," Brandon Peel said.