Get the lowdown on slowdowns: Managing downtown traffic during construction
On an average weekday, our Mobility network accommodates 5.5 million daily trips —to get to work, drop off kids, run errands or head to a concert or sporting event. We know construction season can be frustrating. That’s why we want to share what we do behind the scenes to reduce delays and keep people moving.
Calgary is a winter city, which means we only have a short window of spring through fall to build, repair and maintain the infrastructure we all rely on.
As with most years, there is lots of construction as the weather warms. While that can be inconvenient, this work is needed for a growing city. These projects might be for new housing, to protect neighborhoods from flooding, and ensure utilities keep running safely and smoothly.
We plan and coordinate this work to reduce disruption while still delivering the improvements Calgarians expect and depend on.
“We plan around people, not just projects,” says Anthony El-Araj, Acting Manager of Traffic Services. “Before any work happens on our roadways, we go through a detailed process to make sure we’re minimizing disruption as much as possible. We review where, what and why the work is happening, and look for ways to reduce the impact, whether that means limiting lane closures, changing the timing or asking crews to work overnight, when possible.”
The team considers many factors before approving a detour or lane closure:
· Who’s using the route and are they driving, walking or wheeling?
· Can emergency vehicles still get through?
· Will nearby homes or businesses be affected?
· Are there other nearby detours or special events like a big concert or Stampede?
· What’s the best detour option that still keeps people moving?
· Does the work actually need to be on the road or sidewalk?
“We schedule work to avoid peak travel times as much as possible,” says El-Araj. “Fewer people are on the roads in the evenings and on weekends, so that’s when we try to schedule the work.”
We work closely with project managers and event organizers to avoid overlaps. During Stampede, nearby construction projects that impact traffic must pause work.
Our Traffic Management Centre monitors Calgary’s roads 24/7. Using traffic cameras, live traffic data and digital road signs, the team can act quickly when there’s a problem.
If a stalled car blocks traffic, we can dispatch a tow truck. If traffic builds up unexpectedly, we can remotely adjust signal timing to improve flow. In 2024, the team made more than 2,200 signal adjustments around the Saddledome alone.
“We can log into an intersection remotely to improve signal timing during rush hour or events,” says El-Araj. “And when we adjust timing in areas with bike lanes or shared pathways, we always prioritize safety for people walking and wheeling.”
We have Waze to help. Our partnership with Waze means Calgarians get real-time traffic and construction updates right in the app. It’s free, fun to use (you can even choose different voices!), and helps you avoid surprises on your commute.
Waze is our preferred navigation app because it syncs with our advanced traffic system. That means detours, closures and delays are updated in real time—so you can plan your route with confidence.
It’s not a pain when you have a plan. With the right tools and a little planning, you can get to where you need to go. Use our trip-planning tools at calgary.ca/PlanYourTrip:
- Interactive traffic map by quadrant
- Live traffic camera feeds
- Event road closure updates
- Estimated drive times and digital signage
- 107.9 FM for live traffic updates
- @yyctransport on X for real-time alerts
We appreciate your patience as we support the work needed for a growing, thriving Calgary. And when you can, consider other ways of getting around such as transit, walking or wheeling.