Deerfoot Trail Improvements
The Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project is being completed by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (ATEC)
Construction update - October 2026
Project Area Updates
The Province of Alberta is advancing through various stages of the Deerfoot Trail Improvements project. The project is generally split into north Deerfoot Trail which consists of four design/bid/build projects, and south Deerfoot Trail consisting of one large design/build project:
North Deerfoot Trail
Beddington Trail – 11 St N.E.
- The reconfigured interchange connecting 11 St N.E. to westbound Beddington Trail N.E. and northbound Deerfoot Trail N.E. opened to traffic in 2024.
64 Avenue N.E.
- The reconfigured exit ramps from Deerfoot Trail and a new northbound auxiliary lane between 64 Avenue N.E. and McKnight Blvd N.E. were completed in late-2023.
McKnight Blvd N.E.
- Improvements to the McKnight Blvd N.E. interchange ramp geometry and signals were completed in late Fall 2025.
16 Ave N.E. and Deerfoot Trail N.E.
- A northbound ramp lane was added at 16 Avenue N.E. in 2025.
Find project details here
A fourth continuous lane in each direction between Memorial Drive to Airport Trail added capacity on Deerfoot Trail. The new lanes along with stormwater improvements, signage adjustments, and landscaping were completed in 2025.
South Deerfoot Trail
Glenmore Trail
- Completion of a new northbound bridge and ramps over Glenmore Trail S.E. is scheduled in late 2026.
- The new bridge will add lane capacity and improve merge lanes and ramp traffic movements
Southland Drive S.E.
- Reconfiguring the interchange to improve safety and traffic flow onto southbound Deerfoot Trail is anticipated to wrap up in late 2026.
Bow Bottom Trail / Anderson Road S.E.
- The largest segment of the South Deerfoot Trail project is underway. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
- The City of Calgary completed a concurrent paving project on Anderson Road S.E. from Deerfoot Trail to Macleod Trail S.E.
Ivor Strong Bridge
- Twinning the bridge is well underway to carry three continuous southbound lanes over the Bow River. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
12 St S.E. sanitary sewer main relocation
Widening Deerfoot Trail north of Glenmore Trail required relocating a large sanitary sewer main under 12 Street S.E. from 58 Avenue S.E. to 64 Avenue S.E.. Work was substantially completed in 2025.
ATEC and Aecon, in consultation with the City, looked at alternate routes for the sanitary line, however the other options weren’t possible due to complexity, cost, environmental and technical concerns.
Southview off-leash area closure
To accommodate the Deerfoot Trail Improvements project, the Southview off-leash dog park closed to public access effective March 31, 2025. This land is provincially owned and fill material (soil) from this site is being used for construction on Deerfoot Trail.
This park is located between Deerfoot Trail and the Western Headworks Main Canal. Closure of the off-leash area is required for the safety of the public and their pets until completion of the Deerfoot Trail Improvements construction.
Project overview
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (ATEC) is undertaking improvements to Deerfoot Trail.
Deerfoot Trail is Alberta’s busiest freeway and sees over 180,000 vehicles per day in some sections. It is a critical component of Calgary’s transportation network for both commuter travel and goods movement. Since Deerfoot Trail was initially constructed in the 1970s, Calgary’s population has doubled, more people have access to vehicles, and traffic volumes have continued to increase.
The improvements will add additional lanes along Deerfoot Trail as well as improve safety and reliability for drivers. This work supports Calgary’s current traffic volumes and sets The City up for future population growth and projected traffic volumes.
Though Deerfoot Trail runs through the heart of Calgary, it is operated and maintained by The Province.
As with any construction project, there will be impacts to the public throughout construction. The City of Calgary will work closely with The Province to limit the impacts of construction to residents, businesses, and commuters wherever possible.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for maintaining Deerfoot Trail during construction?
Carmacks Enterprises is the highway maintenance contractor responsible for the ongoing maintenance of Deerfoot Trail. Within each construction project, the contractor will work closely with Carmacks to ensure the area is adequately maintained.
How is the City working with the Province to mitigate impacts to the public?
The City will primarily support the Province in mobility communications and traffic adjustments. This includes coordinating closely with the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) and the Signals Engineering team to monitor traffic operations and make necessary adjustments to traffic signals.
Where can I find traffic updates?
ATEC’s project website will be updated as traffic updates and impacts are known.
For updates regarding City roadways please refer to the City of Calgary’s Traffic Information Map.
Will bus routes be affected?
Calgary transit has some bus routes on Deerfoot Trail as well as adjacent roads that may be impacted periodically throughout construction. calgarytransit.com will be updated if and when transit routes are affected.
Why is the Southview off-leash area closed and will it reopen?
The land for the Southview off-leash area is owned by the Province of Alberta and soil from the area is being used as fill material for the Deerfoot Trail Improvements project. The Southview off-leash area will remain closed with temporary fencing and signage on site until soil removal is fully completed.
The Deerfoot Trail Improvements project is expected to be completed in late 2027.
Why remove trees on 12 Street S.E.?
Where can I find further information?
To stay informed throughout construction, please:
- Visit the project website for project information
- Register your email for construction updates here.
With questions, comments or concerns, please email the Alberta Transportation project team at info@deerfootimprovements.ca and a member of the project team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Stay connected
ATEC has the following resources in place to keep the public informed throughout construction.
Project website
The central hub for construction information and updates.
E-newsletter
Register your email to receive regular construction information and updates.
Questions, comments, concerns?
Email info@deerfootimprovements.ca and a member ATEC’s Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project team will get back to you as soon as possible.