(Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Another Milestone Reached

Final phase of Calgary Ring Road construction

Oct 19, 2023 | 3:29 PM

Alberta’s government says it is delivering on a faster, safer and more efficient transportation network with the final push to complete the Calgary Ring Road project.

Government officials say the Calgary Ring Road is to date, 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, say provincial officials.

The government says these openings have improved access for communities, cut travel times for drivers by up to 20 minutes and have vastly improved travel times for commercial carriers. When fully completed, the province says the Calgary Ring Road will provide 101 kilometres of free-flow travel, create new travel options for drivers and reduce traffic congestion.

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“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,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.

According to provincial officials, construction of the West Calgary Ring Road is the final piece of the entire ring road project, and the focus is now shifting to the final phase between Bow Trail and Highway 8, which is on track to be complete in 2024.

“Today’s announcement has been awaited for a long time and it is great news for my constituents in Calgary-Bow,” adds Demetrios Nicolaides, MLA for Calgary-Bow. “The opening of this section of the ring road can cut commute times down significantly, making it easier for people to get where they need to be. As the MLA, I’ve already been working closely with constituents on noise attenuation concerns and will continue to advocate for our community.”

“The Stoney Trail Ring Road is a link that will bring us closer together,” notes Sonya Sharp, Ward 1 councillor, City of Calgary. “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.”

Update on existing Calgary Ring Road work

The government says Transportation and Economic Corridors continues its work on the West Calgary Ring Road project, the final portion of the ring road. 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. According to the government, that will ease congestion for traffic, and 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.

Alberta governmente quick facts

• The West Calgary Ring Road includes:
  • 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
• The West Bow River Bridge is located north of the Trans Canada Highway/16 Avenue NW.