Project Update – February 1, 2021

Virtual Information Session

While we aren’t able to hold an in-person session at this time, sharing updated information and construction progress is still a priority. Please visit westringroad.ca > virtual information session to see updated plans, submit questions or comments, and take a look back at the project milestones reached in 2020.

What’s Happening in Traffic This Week

Intermittent Traffic Stoppages

On February 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., short, intermittent traffic stoppages will be required on the south side of the Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W. interchange for utility work. Please drive with caution through the area and watch for flag persons directing traffic.

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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. For all other project information, please visit  westringroad.ca.

We appreciate your patience during construction.

December Progress Snapshot 

A lot of pieces came together in the final month of 2020 and several major project milestones were reached to cap off the year. Over 23,000 hours were worked in December, which brings the total hours worked in 2020 to more than 600,000. Since the start of construction in 2019, more than 850,000 hours have been worked.  

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Nighttime Utility Work 

Next week on Tuesday, February 9, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., crews will be working overnight on a utility pole along the Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W. exit to westbound Trans-Canada Highway. Minimal disruptions are anticipated for adjacent residents.

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Continued Utility Work Southeast of Valley Ridge

Late last year, a duct bank was constructed under the Trans-Canada Highway to bury utility lines. Multiple utilities will use this duct bank now that it is in place, and each one will need to excavate in the area to connect their lines beyond the duct bank. While it may appear work is being re-done, several different utilities will be doing relocations in the same area as a result of the duct bank.

None of the continued utility work is expected to require pipe ramming.

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Gravel Excavation North of Old Banff Coach Road S.W. 

Last spring, the aggregate (gravel) deposits south of Old Banff Coach Road S.W. were removed. Excavation is now continuing on the north side of the road to both extract this valuable, non-renewable resource and lower the grade for interchange construction. No gravel will be crushed on site.

Excavation is expected to continue until the end of February, after which piling for the bridge foundations will begin.

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Integral Bridges and Caisson Foundations

The ramp bridges over 1 Avenue S.W. are integral bridges. Integral bridges are a relatively new design concept (introduced in the late 80s) that have become common due to their cost effectiveness, which comes from eliminating expensive and maintenance-intensive expansion joints and bearings. Instead, integral bridges often use caisson foundations to allow girders to move and expand (this movement is needed to absorb and distribute force).

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Here’s how they’re constructed:

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