Alberta nears completion of Calgary Ring Road project
Crews expect work to wrap early next year.
A rendering shows part of the West Calgary Ring Road’s final design. – Government of Alberta
One of Alberta’s largest public infrastructure projects ever is nearing completion.
Officials anticipate that all work for the Calgary Ring Road will be done early next year. The Calgary Ring Road project, also known as the Stoney Trail project, began construction in the early 2000s.
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.
The province stated that these openings have cut travel times for drivers by up to 20 minutes and have vastly improved travel times for commercial carriers. When fully completed, the Calgary Ring Road will provide 101 kilometres of free-flow travel.
“I’m excited to announce the Calgary Ring Road is one step closer to being finished,” said Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and economic corridors “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.”
Construction of the West Calgary Ring Road is the final piece of the entire ring 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. Government documents show it has an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.
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.
