Background:

Northeast Anthony Henday Drive (NEAH) is a P3 project to design, build, finance, operate and maintain Northeast Anthony Henday Drive, the 27km 6 to 8-lane divided highway that completes the ring road around Edmonton in Alberta, Canada.
This Project has been developed to relieve traffic congestion in and around Edmonton and to enable social and economic development across the local and wider Alberta region. Around 75,000 vehicles use the Anthony Henday Drive every day, including many heavy goods vehicles. Meridiam’s initially invested 50% and subsequently acquired the remaining 50% in June 2019 from partners ACS and Hochtief.

Stage:

In Operation

ESG/SDG Key Facts:

The replacement of approximately 1,900 highway lighting fixtures with LED fixtures was completed in September 2021.
Relative to the previous lighting system, the Project Company observed energy savings of c.37% (vs. the prior use of 5.7m kwh per year) as well as a savings in work related to periodic re-lamping as the new lamps have a longer life which is 20+ years.
Less re-lamping activities will also mean improved safety for the maintenance crews, due to less maintenance activity in this respect.
The Asset is employing an innovative point-cloud technology to measure slopes and any movements.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

The exact impact on energy savings from the replacement of highway lighting fixtures with LED fixtures was quantified, after a full year in operation, in late 2022 to c. 37% of energy saved.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The Project Company has stimulated additional investment in the region. Extensive residential and commercial development has occurred on similar ring road projects in the region.

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)

In 2020/2021, the Project Company successfully completed an innovative small pilot section using different crack sealing
developed from advanced techniques to extend road surface life. Piloted innovative crack sealing, aimed at extending road
surface life, in 2020/2021. This has been rolled out to larger sections of NEAH since 2022.

SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Wetland Compensation Plan will compensate 20 hectares of impacted wetlands with the development of 60 hectares of wetlands. The Project Company is implementing a program to reintroduce wildflowers and bees within the project limits.