Looking west at the eastbound bridge construction.
Looking west at the eastbound bridge construction.
Looking east at the pedestrian bridge construction.
Looking west at the pedestrian bridge construction.
Looking north at the eastbound bridge construction.
Looking north at Stoney Trail.
Overview
Spring 2021 marked the start of a multi-year construction project to the bridges at Stoney Trail SE and the Bow River. The South Bow River Bridge project is part of the larger Calgary Ring Road and will improve traffic flow for approximately 53,000 vehicles that travel this crossing daily.
The westbound bridge is being widened from 3 lanes to 4 lanes to accommodate future traffic demands. The eastbound bridge, which housed a narrow pedestrian crossing, required lifecycle maintenance, safety, and widening improvements. The eastbound bridge has been demolished and replaced to accommodate 4 lanes of vehicle traffic.
South of the traffic bridges, a stand-alone pedestrian crossing is being constructed to provide a safer and more comfortable connection to the existing pathway system. Additional work includes widening and improvements to Stoney Trail between McLeod Trail, McKenzie Lake Boulevard and Cranston Boulevard.
The South Bow River Bridge project will support approximately 250 jobs and will be completed in 2024.
Project details
Contractor: PCL Construction
- In-stream berm construction on east and west banks
- Construction of a new 4- lane eastbound bridge, with future 5- lane accommodation
- Widening the existing westbound bridge to add a 4th lane, with future 5-lane accommodation
- New stand-alone pedestrian bridge located south of the South Bow River Bridge that will connect to the existing pathway network
- Widening and improvements to Stoney Trail between McLeod Trail, McKenzie Lake Boulevard and Cranston Boulevard
- Modifications to the ramps at Sun Valley Boulevard, Chaparral Boulevard, and Stoney Trail to accommodate widening; westbound off ramp will be upgraded to a dual exit function
Timeline
-
September 2020
- The project was announced
-
January 2021
- Contract was awarded to PCL Construction
-
2022 Construction
South Bow River Bridge
- Pier and abutment widening of the westbound bridge structure was completed
- Approach ramp deck construction continued
- Bearings and girders were erected on the eastbound bridge structure
- Girder erection continued on the eastbound bridge structure
Stoney Trail
- Roadway surfacing was undertaken west of Chaparral Blvd
- Stage 2 (of 2) vehicle detour implemented. Westbound traffic shifted to eastbound lanes. See detour map below.
Pedestrian Bridge
- Approach ramp decks were completed
-
2024 Construction
- Completion of eastbound Stoney bridge
- Completion of pedestrian bridge
In-stream berm construction on East bank.
Looking Northwest at in-stream berm construction on East bank.
Pre-demolition – Looking west over Bow River from ground level.
Pre-demolition – Looking west over Bow River.
Pedestrian bridge looking northeast.
Pedestrian bridge looking southwest.
Overhead view of pedestrian bridge with river lookout.
Looking southeast at the twinned bridge over the Bow River with pedestrian bridge in background.
Looking south at the twinned bridge over the Bow River with pedestrian bridge in background.
Overhead view looking southwest of twinned bridge over the Bow River with pedestrian bridge in background.
Traffic impacts
During construction, on-site signage will share information about traffic impacts. Please plan ahead and visit 511 Alberta and the City of Calgary traffic map for up-to-date traffic impacts.
River traffic
River traffic will be permitted throughout the course of construction. Boat spotters will be deployed on an as-needed basis to guide traffic as appropriate. Intermittent stoppages may apply and will be communicated as required.
Bow River Pathway and Park access detours
During construction, pathway access closures and detours will be in place and shared through onsite signage. Please plan ahead and visit the City of Calgary Parks – Pathway and Bikeways Map.
This is a multi-year project with construction continuing beyond one construction season. Future closures and detours can be expected and will be communicated as they arise.
Active construction site
This is an active construction site with heavy machinery and numerous safety hazards. To ensure the safety of site workers and members of the public, closed off areas are clearly identified with onsite signage, netting and/or line.
Trespassing through these areas is considered dangerous and will be enforced throughout the course of construction.
The Government of Alberta and PCL Construction thank the public for respecting these closures and finding alternate routes.
We are aware of the impact this has on nearby communities and the contractor has committed to keeping pathways open as much as possible, if appropriate and safe to do so.
News
- South Bow River Bridge project to create 350-plus jobs – September 2020
- Contract awarded to build South Bow River Bridge – January 2021
Pre-demolition – looking northwest at completed east berm construction and eastbound lanes vehicle detour.
Demolition of eastbound bridge.
Demolition – looking northeast as crane vehicles remove girders and remaining pier structures.
Demolition – looking north.
Demolition – looking west at completed east section of bridge demolition.
Looking north with completed east berm of pedestrian bridge in forefront, and Stoney Trail bridge in the background.
Closures and detours
Vehicle
Detour: In October 2023, all traffic was shifted onto the newly completed eastbound bridge. The bridge carries 2 eastbound and 2 westbound lanes over the river. This detour is required to advance the ongoing widening of the westbound bridge and will remain in place over the winter. Speed reductions associated with the detour are in place. Please use courtesy and care when travelling through the construction zone.
Rotary Park access: Pedestrian and vehicular access from McKenzie Meadows Drive to Rotary Park (Fish Creek Provincial Park) will be closed intermittently for the duration of the project.
McKenzie Meadows Driving Range: Vehicle access via McKenzie Meadows Drive SE will remain open.
Pedestrian
The project working hours are Monday – Saturday, 7 am to 10 pm, and Sundays and holidays, 9 am to 10 pm Pedestrian access is open outside of these hours, if it can be safely accommodated.
Pathway detour: detour 6 kms of north/south pedestrian pathway on the east side of the river between Rotary Park and the South Fish Creek Bridge will apply for the duration of the project.
Pedestrian access across the bridge (east/west): Permanently closed until the new pedestrian bridge is open.
- Pedestrian access across the river will be via the South Fish Creek Bridge. Use Chaparral/Sun Valley Blvd or McKenzie Lake Blvd crossings, if travelling from south of the bridge.
Pedestrian access under the traffic bridges (north/south): Intermittent closures will apply for the duration of the project. It will remain open when safe and appropriate to do so, and based on site conditions, public safety, and construction schedules.
- Pedestrians to use McKenzie Lake Blvd or Chaparral/Sun Valley Blvd crossings.
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Contact
For more information on the South Bow River Bridge:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 403-200-6935
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
For information about construction, contact:
Estella Petzold
Project Coordinator
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors
Email: [email protected]
For information about impacts to pedestrian pathways, contact the City of Calgary by dialing 311.