Anyone who regularly drives through Windermere, Glenridding, Keswick or Terwillegar knows how frustrating southwest Edmonton traffic can be. For years, congestion around Terwillegar Drive and Anthony Henday Drive has been one of the biggest concerns for homeowners and buyers in the area. In my own real estate experience, I have seen some homeowners choose to move north of Anthony Henday simply to avoid the daily traffic and long commute.
Areas such as Terwillegar Towne, Magrath, MacTaggart, Hodgson, Leger and older Riverbend have often had an advantage because they are already north of the Henday and closer to central Edmonton. But that may start to change.
What Is Happening With Terwillegar Drive?
The Terwillegar Drive expansion is being completed in several stages. The earlier sections between Anthony Henday Drive and Whitemud Drive have already seen major improvements. The current major phase is focused around Anthony Henday Drive and Windermere Boulevard.
Construction started in 2026 and is expected to continue for approximately 2 years, with the improved route expected to be in service around 2028. The project includes widening Terwillegar Drive and 170 Street, adding additional traffic capacity, improving transit access and significantly upgrading the interchange at Anthony Henday Drive. A new northbound bridge is also being constructed over Anthony Henday, while the existing bridge will be used for southbound traffic. New ramps and improved connections are intended to make traffic flow more efficiently between Terwillegar Drive and Anthony Henday.
Traffic May Get Worse Before It Gets Better
Unfortunately, during construction, congestion may remain difficult. Drivers can expect lane changes, reduced speeds and temporary traffic disruptions as construction continues. The Windermere Boulevard area is likely to remain one of the busiest locations during the construction period. For homeowners living in Windermere, Glenridding and Keswick, this may mean another period of frustrating morning and afternoon traffic.
However, it is important to remember that part of the current congestion is caused by construction itself. The long-term purpose of the project is to improve one of southwest Edmonton’s biggest transportation bottlenecks.
Why Was This Expansion Needed?
Southwest Edmonton has experienced tremendous growth. Communities such as Keswick, Glenridding, Windermere and surrounding areas continue to expand, with thousands of new homes being built.
Terwillegar Drive simply was not designed to handle the amount of traffic now travelling through the area every day. The City has recognized that the road has exceeded its previous transportation capacity. The expansion is therefore not only about solving today’s traffic issues. It is also about preparing for continued population growth in southwest Edmonton.
Could This Make Windermere More Attractive Again?
I believe improved access could have a positive impact on buyer perception of the area. Windermere has never had a problem offering attractive homes. The area has newer properties, shopping, schools, parks, restaurants, access to Anthony Henday and many beautiful residential communities.
The major drawback for some buyers has been the daily traffic. If the improved interchange makes it easier and faster to travel north, one of the biggest objections buyers have about living south of Anthony Henday becomes less significant. That does not mean every home will suddenly increase dramatically in value. But improved accessibility can make an area more desirable and easier to sell.
What About Glenridding and Keswick?
Glenridding and Keswick could potentially benefit even more. These communities are located farther south, so homeowners often feel the impact of the Terwillegar and Henday congestion more strongly. At the same time, these areas offer many things buyers are looking for today. They have newer homes, modern floor plans, larger garages, new schools, parks and developing amenities.
If the commute becomes easier, buyers may become more willing to consider living farther south rather than automatically choosing an older home north of Anthony Henday.
Will This Affect Home Prices?
Improved transportation access can support stronger real estate demand, but it is important not to oversimplify the impact. Home prices are influenced by many factors, including interest rates, employment, housing supply, population growth, property condition and overall market conditions. A road expansion alone does not determine property values.
However, when a major transportation problem is improved, it can remove one of the disadvantages associated with a location. That can increase buyer interest and improve marketability. For southwest Edmonton, this could be particularly important because demand for newer homes continues to grow.
Windermere Has More Development Coming
The road expansion is not the only improvement happening in the area. Windermere continues to develop with new schools, park facilities and future recreation amenities. Additional road improvements around 170 Street are also helping to support the growth of the surrounding communities.
When you combine improved transportation, new schools, recreation facilities, shopping and continued residential development, the long-term outlook for southwest Edmonton remains very positive.
Will Traffic Completely Disappear?
Probably not. As southwest Edmonton continues to grow, more people will also use these roads. Improved roads often attract additional traffic over time. However, there is a major difference between normal traffic in a growing city and the severe bottleneck that currently exists around Terwillegar Drive and Anthony Henday.
The goal of the current expansion is to create a transportation system that can better handle the population already living in southwest Edmonton as well as future growth.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
For homeowners in Windermere, Glenridding and Keswick, the next couple of years may require some patience. Construction will continue to affect traffic. But once the major improvements are completed, the area could become more attractive to buyers who previously avoided living south of Anthony Henday because of commuting concerns. Better access will not automatically increase every home's value, but it could improve buyer confidence and remove one of the most common objections associated with southwest Edmonton.
In real estate, location is not only about where a home is located. It is also about how easily people can get where they need to go. And if the Terwillegar Drive expansion delivers the improvements it is designed to provide, southwest Edmonton may become an even stronger choice for future homeowners.
TOP REALTOR® in Southwest Edmonton
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Southwest Edmonton, having a REALTOR® who understands the area can make a real difference. Nooran Ostadeian with RE/MAX Elite has been helping Edmonton buyers and sellers since 2007 and works extensively in Southwest Edmonton communities. Whether you’re considering Windermere, Glenridding, Keswick, Terwillegar or surrounding neighbourhoods, Nooran can help you understand the local market, compare opportunities and make a confident decision.
To discuss buying, selling or investing in Southwest Edmonton real estate, contact Nooran at 780-953-0723, email nooran@realtyedmonton.ca, or visit realtyedmonton.ca.
Contact Nooran Ostadeian
TOP REALTOR® | RE/MAX Elite
Call at 780-953-0723
Website: realtyedmonton.ca