Project Update – May 24, 2021

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What’s Happening in Traffic This Week

Traffic Shift on Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W.

Southbound and northbound traffic has been shifted to the outside lanes to accommodate median construction on Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W.





  • Looking south at a tack coat being applied to the asphalt; tack coats are applied between each lift (layer) of asphalt to create a stronger bond, which improves the road’s structural integrity and lifespan

Southbound Stoney Trail overnight Lane Closures

This week from Wednesday, May 26, to Saturday, May 29, southbound Stoney Trail, between Scenic Acres Link N.W. and Nose Hill Drive N.W., will be reduced to one lane from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. each night. This is required for modifications to overhead signs. Some delays are expected. 

Crestmont Boulevard S.W.

Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect this week from Tuesday, May 25 to Friday, May 28 for utility work. Old Banff Coach Road S.W. is an alternative route to avoid this lane closure.

Neighbourhood Speed Limit Change

Beginning May 31, 2021, the speed limit on all residential and collector roads will be 40 km/h unless otherwise posted. More information is available at calgary.ca > Neighbourhood Speed Limits. 

All work is weather dependent. Please check 511 Albertaand 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.

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Valley Ridge Boulevard N.W. Interchange MSE Walls

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are a cost-effective alternative to concrete retaining walls, which is why they are so readily used for bridge abutments. They consist of precast concrete panels (also called facing – this is the part you see), engineered gravel backfill and soil reinforcements typically made from metal or geotextile.

The wall panels are bolted to the reinforcing straps, which are buried in gravel. The gravel squeezes the straps creating friction, which holds the panel in place to ‘retain’ the earth. 

Key map




  • Each MSE wall panel is held in place by two layers of reinforcing straps bolted to the clips on the back of the panels




  • Depending on the MSE wall design, sometimes multiple straps are bolted together to make different lengths




  • Transverse ribs on the steel strips – called ladders – increase the static friction between the soil and the strips




  • A closer look at the ladders




  • Wooden safety railings are installed on structures over six feet

Milestone Alert – Bridge Deck Paved

That’s four down and 16 to go, if you’re counting. This bridge for the southbound Stoney Trail to eastbound Trans-Canada Highway ramp is just missing line painting. There’s still some work to do on the other two bridges and the ramp itself, but traffic will probably be driving on this fresh asphalt before the season is done.





  • Looking north, the first layer of asphalt is down 




  • Looking south at the view you’ll have driving on this ramp 




  • This bridge isn’t far behind with the rubberized asphalt installed, which acts as a waterproof membrane




  • The first strip of paving is down; the tower cranes for the Bow River Bridge are visible in the distance on the right

Mainline Stoney Trail

Grading the Road Base





  • The survey stakes mark the edges of the northbound and southbound lanes




  • Dozers spread and compact the material for the road subgrade 

Subdrain Installation

Subdrains use small, perforated pipe in shallow, gravel-filled trenches to collect groundwater and convey it to larger outlet pipes. The permeable pipe allows water in but keeps gravel and debris out. 





  • Looking north at subdrain installation on the east side of Stoney Trail




  • Perforated pipe is wrapped in landscaping fabric, which prevents soil and gravel from blocking the drainage holes in the pipe but allows water to enter or exit
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17 Avenue S.W. Interchange

Pile driving for the 17 Avenue S.W. interchange is anticipated to begin this week and continue for approximately one month. Residents can expect increased noise and possibly some minor vibrations while the piling is underway. 





  • May 5, 2021 – Excavation for the bridge foundation is underway 




  • May 12, 2021 – excavation continues

Old Banff Coach Road S.W. Interchange

At Old Banff Coach Road S.W., one of the centre pier columns has been poured and has cured. The formwork has been moved to the last centre pier column.

Bow Trail S.W. Interchange

At Bow Trail S.W., the spread footing foundation for the centre piers has cured and inspection is underway.