Highway 8 improvements: Eastbound Elbow River bridge

Overview

The existing bridge, completed in 1970, is at the end of its service life and does not meet current highway standards or future highway needs. A new bridge is being constructed that will be realigned to improve safety, provide 2 lanes of travel for eastbound traffic over the river and reduce the overall in-river footprint. Construction began in summer 2025 and will continue through fall 2026.

Construction update

Construction of the new eastbound bridge began in summer of 2025 and is expected to continue through Fall of 2026. Project goals include:

• installing the new bridge’s girders (complete)
• demolishing the old, decommissioned bridge (complete)
• intersection improvements at Lott Creek Boulevard (ongoing)
• paving work (ongoing)

The new bridge is being realigned to:

• improve safety
• provide 2 lanes of travel for eastbound traffic on Highway 8 crossing over the Elbow River
• reduce the overall in-river footprint.

For more information, view the 2026 Spring Update on the Open Government Portal at: Highway 8 Eastbound Elbow River bridge: Spring 2026 update.

Project details

This project includes:

• demolition and disposal of the existing eastbound bridge (complete)
• construction of a new, realigned eastbound bridge over the Elbow River (ongoing)
• completion of Highway 8 twinning from just west of Lott Creek Boulevard to the Calgary city limits (ongoing)

Speed Reductions

Speed limits in construction zones are reduced to protect construction workers and drivers. Speed limit reductions may remain in place even when construction workers might not be onsite. Construction hazards may be on the side of the road or within the lanes of travel that may pose significant risk to drivers and construction workers, including:

• reduced lanes/lane widths
• changing traffic patterns
• temporary signage and overhead lighting
• suboptimal grading
• presence of machinery
• temporary barriers

Drivers are reminded to obey posted speed signs. Speed limit reductions will remain in place during construction.

Traffic Pattern Changes

While construction is ongoing, traffic pattern changes will be required to accommodate traffic. Use caution and obey all posted signage when travelling through the area.

Wildlife Fencing

Wildlife fencing is a barrier system designed to direct the movement of animals away from highways to reduce conflicts between vehicles and animals, and promote safety. The effectiveness of fencing is supported when fencing is continuous and free of access points that could be used by animals to get through to the highway.

Access to the Highway Right-of-Way

This project is being constructed within the provincial highway right-of-way (ROW). ROW’s are lands which are legally protected and designated to provide space for necessary infrastructure and future expansion of the provincial highway network.

Highways in Alberta are designed with a clear zone, located within the highway ROW which provides unobstructed space, should a vehicle leave the roadway. These open areas beside travel lanes are intentionally designed to be free of vegetation and infrastructure such as trees, multiuse pathways and above ground utilities. This helps to reduce instances of rollovers and the severity of traffic incidents.

Parking along the highway is a hazard as it impedes with ongoing construction and creates obstacles within the clear zone. Parking along the highway is prohibited and unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Parking and River Access

Parking along Highway 8 to access the river is prohibited as it is unsafe and can impact the safety of both those parking and those travelling on the highway. Parking within the construction zone is considered trespassing and is prohibited, as it is a safety risk of both workers and members of the public.

Unauthorized vehicles parked within the construction zone will be towed at the owner’s risk and expense.

Designated Elbow River access points can be found using the City of Calgary’s River Access Map

Pedestrian Access

Pedestrian and multi-modal traffic are outside the scope of this work and remain the responsibility of the local municipality, Rocky View County. The construction zone is located within the provincial highway right-of-way. Walking or cycling through the construction site is a safety risk for both workers and members of the public and is considered trespassing. Pedestrian access in the area is, and will continue to be, restricted to designated walking trails. Information about nearby walking path/trail options is available on the City of Calgary website.

Waste Disposal

The disposal of waste within the provincial right-of-way is strictly prohibited. Violators will be fined as appropriate.

Information regarding recycling and waste disposal within:

• Rocky View County can be found on the County’s website
• the City of Calgary can be found on the City’s website

Resources

• Highway 8 Eastbound Elbow River Bridge – August 2026 Update
• Highway 8 Eastbound Elbow River Bridge – July 2026 Update
• Highway 8 Eastbound Elbow River Bridge – Spring 2026 Update

Contact

Connect with the project team at:
Email: [email protected]