Project Update - West Calgary Ring Road

October 20, 2023

What’s Happening in Traffic

Lanes re-opening on Bow River bridge

This weekend, three lanes on the northbound Stoney Trail bridge over the Bow River are expected to re-open. A single lane closure will be required on the bridge until mid-November to complete rehabilitation. This traffic shift back to the northbound bridge with an additional lane will alleviate some congestion on the Trans-Canada Highway.

*On Friday, October 20, a lane on the northbound bridge is re-opened; three lanes are expected to re-open by the end of the weekend*

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.

Bridge Rehabilitation and Pathway Repairs

The rehabilitation on the northbound bridge over the Bow River (constructed in 1997) is nearing completion and some lanes are expected to re-open this weekend, pending weather conditions. Deck repairs, expansion joint replacements, waterproofing and paving are complete.

Under the bridge, drainage improvements, earthworks, wildlife fencing installation and other works are ongoing. The pathway is anticipated to partially re-open this weekend, pending weather conditions.

*Paving trucks on the northbound Bow River Bridge*

Lining Lower Junction Pond

Lower Junction Pond is a “wet” stormwater pond that will manage and treat drainage from the Highway 8 and Stoney Trail interchange. Wet ponds improve water quality by retaining water long enough for sediments and pollutants to settle. The forebay, where stormwater enters the pond, is designed to slow water down and allow the heaviest sediments to settle, which improves water quality and preserves capacity in the main retention pond.

*Looking east at Lower Junction Pond south of Highway 8*

Stormwater ponds are lined with clay – an impermeable material – to prevent stormwater (and any pollutants it contains) from seeping into the ground. Clay liners also limit erosion within the pond. Geosynthetic clay liners provide about the same level of protection as one metre of compacted clay. Within Lower Junction Pond, small benches are being constructed around the interior perimeter to anchor a geosynthetic liner.