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^The light rail going past intersections (or rather through) doesn't effect the speed or efficiency of the train though, as it has the right to go past the intersection and past the cars regardless of lights.

Edmonton's is kinda a mix. The original NE line does cross some roads, but mostly goes underneath or above roads or creates dead ends. It ripped some neighbourhoods up similar to a fwy, although less brutally and obviously. This line also did a terrible job servicing the nearby neighbourhoods and just had the main purpose of getting to the sports complexes which are dead zones for much of the year.

Downtown and University is underground but LRT.

The new SLRT line (which is really the same line as the NE) has some parts that go under major roads, but most of it crosses major intersections like 114 St/University Ave and 53 Ave/111 St. It causes some long waits for cars, but I say screw 'em, light rail should be the priority.

The new low floor lines that have been approved (now just need funding) will be similar to Portland's system and go through more intersections.