Calgary - Alberta’s government announced in Calgary Thursday the opening of the new, west bridge crossing the Bow River and the opening of the old, east bridge to one lane of traffic. The other lanes are scheduled to open in the coming days following repaving.
The minister of transportation said the new access will cut commuters’ travel times from the west side of the city to downtown by 20 minutes.
The focus is now shifting to the final phase of the Calgary Ring Road project, between Bow Trail and Highway 8, which is on track to be complete in 2024.
To date, it is one of the largest public infrastructure projects in Alberta.
Earlier this year, construction of the new West Bow River bridge and new interchanges at Old Banff Coach Road and Bow Trail opened for traffic. This is a milestone toward the overall completion of the entire Calgary Ring Road in 2024.
Once complete, the Ring Road will also mean vastly improved travel times for commercial carriers, providing 101 kilometres of free-flow travel, and new travel options for drivers and reduce traffic congestion.
“This will allow people to get home to loved ones instead of staring at taillights,” said Devin Dreeshen, minister of transporttion and economic corridors.
“Eighty-thousand vehicles go across this river every day. And to twin the bridge that has been here is a huge announcement for people on the west side of Calgary, people commuting around the Ring Road of Calgary,” Dreeshen said.
“I’m excited to announce the Calgary Ring Road is one step closer to being finished. We are delivering on making life better for Albertans through the completion of this section for this major project, which means faster commutes, less panic getting kids to school or practice, quicker trips for groceries and a whole lot less stress,” he added.
“This is big. This is going to change the way we get around,” said Ward 1 Calgary City Councillor Sonya Sharp at the news conference as traffic whizzed by in the background.
“The Stoney Trail Ring Road is a link that will bring us closer together. This new segment of the route makes our daily commutes faster and improves traffic flow. Additionally, this free-flow travel will support economic growth by making our northwest businesses and amenities more accessible to all Calgarians. Thank you to the Government of Alberta for this milestone, today’s progress is monumental.”
Dreeshen added the road was a significant investment, and that he was “happy to say that it is on budget and on time.”
The interchange at the Trans-Canada Highway and Stoney Trail is nearing completion, along with the connection to Bow Trail SW, which is scheduled for completion this fall. That will ease congestion for traffic, allow easier access to and from the Trans-Canada to Stoney Trail. Additional work to complete the roadway and interchanges at 17 Avenue and Highway 8 is expected to be completed by 2024.
The West Calgary Ring Road includes:
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- More than nine kilometres of new road
- Five kilometres of upgrades to the Trans-Canada Highway
- Six interchanges and 29 bridges
- Three sections:
- South Project between Highway 8 and Old Banff Coach Road
- North Project between Old Banff Coach Road and the Trans-Canada Highway
- West Bow River Bridge
