Project Update – February 17, 2020

in

For up-to-date information on traffic detours and speed reductions as a result of construction activity, please visit 511 Alberta.

Bow River Pathway Reopening

The Bow River Pathway on the south side of the river will reopen tomorrow (Tuesday, February 18). The new staircase to access the pedestrian bridge and connect to Bowness Park will also open tomorrow. Please note that the staircase is not fully accessible. Individuals using wheelchairs, strollers or other mobility aids may want to consider alternate routes.

Pathway users can expect heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area for the remainder of the project. Please look for detour and closure signage. Thank you for your patience during this closure.

Construction Progress Update

Now that the area on the south side of the river has been cleared and the staircase is open to access the pedestrian bridge, piling for the south bridge abutment and pier has begun.

Bridge construction on the north side of the river continues.

  • View from the north embankment looking south
  • View from the north embankment looking north

Construction Progress Update

Currently, 11 bridges are in various stages of construction. Some are taking recognizable shape above the ground, while others are just getting underway with piling for the bridge foundations. Bridge construction will continue to be the contractors’ focus over the next several months.

  • Concrete pile cap on the new Valley Ridge Blvd NW / Trans-Canada Hwy interchange

Controlled Blasting Continues

Five people attended the controlled blasting information session on February 12 and no comment forms were submitted. The next public information session for controlled blasting will be on Wednesday, March 11, 5 – 7 pm at WinSport’s Markin McPhail Centre (151 Canada Olympic Rd SW).

To date, there have been almost 50 blasts in the Transportation Utility Corridor. For an updated map showing the blast locations, please visit the Controlled Blasting web page.

  • Blasted bedrock from Paskapoo Slope
  • Looking east at Paskapoo Slopes and Cougar Ridge
  • View from Old Banff Coach Road SW looking north
  • Rigs drilling holes to hold controlled blasting explosives

Tree & Brush Clearing Begins

Crews will be onsite this week preparing for tree and brush clearing, which begins on Thursday, February 20. Removals are expected to start at Old Banff Coach Road SW and move progressively south. More information about the tree and brush clearing is available online.

Safety is a top priority for the Government of Alberta and our contractors. Residents and all members of the public are reminded to stay out of the Transportation Utility Corridor as it is an active construction site.