Project Update - September 14, 2020 - West Calgary Ring Road

Current Traffic Impacts

Westbound Trans-Canada Highway Reduced to One Lane (map below) – From 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., each night starting September 14 and ending September 19, the right lane on westbound Trans-Canada Highway will be closed west of Valley Ridge.

Valley Ridge Boulevard South of Valley Ridge Drive N.W. (map below) – From September 15 to 18 there will be intermittent traffic stoppages lasting approximately five to 10 minutes to shift traffic for paving.

Crestmont Boulevard S.W. (map below) – Single lane alternating traffic remains in effect.

Canada Olympic Drive S.W.– Remains closed until the end of September, with temporary alternative access available through the east parking lot off Canada Olympic Drive S.W.

Old Banff Coach Road west of Cougar Ridge Drive S.W.– Reduced to one lane in both directions.

All work is weather dependent. Please check 511 Alberta and The City of Calgary’s traffic information map for up-to-date information on traffic detours and speed reductions.

We appreciate your patience during construction.

Bow River Pathway Paving Complete

Last week the new segment of the Bow River Pathway was temporarily closed for paving. We appreciate your patience and are pleased to report that the new pathway is now open.

Update on Scenic Acres Link N.W. Exit Ramp Bridge

Earlier this year, the bridge abutments were completed and girders were installed on the exit ramp bridge over Scenic Acres Link N.W.

Looking east at the location of the future bridge over Scenic Acres Link N.W. (May 2020)

Girders installed on bridge over Scenic Acres Link N.W. (May 2020)

Since the girders were placed in May, the overhang brackets have been installed and the bridge deck formwork and diaphragm installations are nearly complete. Work on the bridge – including wingwalls and bridge approach structures – will continue into the 2021 construction season.

Crews completing formwork for upcoming bridge deck pour (September 2020)

Overnight Work on Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W. Interchange

Starting on Wednesday, September 16 until Friday, September 25, crews will be working 24 hours a day to backfill two areas to connect the temporary bridge over Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W. with the new bridge to the east. This is required for the Trans-Canada Highway detour while the other two bridges are being constructed.

To mitigate noise and disruption during the night, gravel will be delivered and stockpiled during the day, back-up alarms will be turned off and light towers will face south and away from nearby residences.

Paving on Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W.

Paving is getting underway on portions of the Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W. interchange, which is a big milestone for the project and signals the completion of some roads. Laying asphalt sometimes produces strong odours from the materials used. The smell typically dissipates soon after the asphalt is laid.

Valley Ridge Blvd. N.W. roundabout ready for paving

Looking east from the Valley Ridge Blvd. N.W. roundabout after the application of the tack coat, which acts like a glue for the asphalt layers

Looking north from the Valley Ridge Blvd. N.W. roundabout after the application of the tack coat

Looking north toward Valley Ridge Drive N.W.; curb and gutter freshly poured on Valley Ridge Blvd. N.W.

Getting Connected

With the girders for both spans now in place on this mainline Stoney Trail bridge, the formwork is being installed for the bridge deck and the pier diaphragm, which connects the girders to the centre pier cap.

Concrete will soon be poured around the ends of the girders, effectively integrating them with the pier cap

Formwork for the cast-in-place diaphragm over the centre pier and for the bridge deck (wooden forms between girders)

Wingwalls

Wingwalls are located on both ends of a bridge abutment to retain the earth that will provide the approach to the bridge deck.