Calgary, AB,
13
August
2017
|
13:40
America/Denver

Major milestone reached for Macleod Trail and 162 Avenue South Interchange

After two years of construction, a major milestone will be achieved tomorrow when Canada’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) opens to traffic at Macleod Trail and 162 Avenue in south Calgary.

“This is the second of four major interchange projects opening this summer—projects that are a $255 million investment in connecting Calgarians with their communities, jobs, and other destinations,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Now is exactly the right time to be building. With the downturn in the economy and accelerated funding for projects like this, we’re creating jobs, taking advantage of lower prices, and building critical transportation infrastructure that will reduce congestion on our roads.”

“This new interchange, a gateway into our city, along with the 20 other projects we’re finishing this year, will certainly make life better for citizens travelling around south Calgary,” said Ward 13 Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart.

“An interchange was needed at this location because of the traffic congestion from people moving along Macleod Trail, into the adjacent business and service area, and for people getting to their homes in the nearby communities,” added Ward 14 Councillor Peter Demong. “This area has had massive growth in the last twenty years.”

The DDI is designed in such a way that the two directions of traffic on 162 Avenue will briefly cross to the opposite side of the bridges over Macleod Trail. This allows more effective traffic flow at the traffic signals within the interchange, and for left turning vehicles to move forward without crossing oncoming traffic.

Sidewalks and pathways in the area are also being improved to allow safer, more direct movements for people walking and cycling.

Additional closures and road construction will continue to take place through the remainder of August and into September in order to complete the roadway. This will be the last major stage of road construction for this project.

Total investment in the project is $78 million.

The speed limit in the construction zone will remain at 50 km/hr until project completion, expected later this fall.

For more details, visit calgary.ca/macleod162ave.