Eau Claire Area Improvements construction and detours

Anticipated Schedule:

Please note: the schedule is subject to change depending on factors such as complexity, weather, supply chain, and access.

Summer:

• Work on the Downtown Flood Barrier and Eau Claire Promenade will focus on earth works, structural work, and deep and shallow utilities. 
• The Eau Claire Plaza will continue with concrete and earth works for site grading. You will also see the framing of the boardwalk and decking finish.
• The Eau Claire Lumber Company Building will be open and activated as the Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub.
• 3 Avenue metrics and evaluation public survey will be open for input through to the Fall 2022.

Community Impacts & Site Safety

• You can expect to see increased construction traffic and deliveries.
• To complete the sidewalk and concrete work in the Plaza and Promenade, crew will be in the area doing sand blasting. We do our best to mitigate and control the dust produced but encourage area residents and businesses to close windows and doors to reduce potential exposure to dust.
• To complete the Flood Barrier connection at 2 Street S.W., the pedestrian bridge will be closed until the Fall of 2022.
• The pedestrian ramps at Centre Street are underway. The piles for the ramps are in place, and next the teams will connect RiverWalk and the Bow River Pathway to the Centre Street Bridge.

Pathway Closures and Detours:

With the amount of construction in the area, we know that the pathway closures and detours are going to be extensive in the Eau Claire Area. Major detour routes are updated and posted on our website once they are in place.

• 2 Street Bridge and pathway closure starting June 6, 2022. Work is expected throughout the summer and into the fall of 2022. 
• NEW: A localized detour near the north end of Eau Claire Plaza where it connects to Jaipur Bridge will be in place while crews complete tie in work. Pathway users will be rerouted west to connect with the promenade and detour there.
• The 3 Avenue walking and wheeling improvements (detour) between 8 Street S.W. and Center Street is now open. 
• Construction fencing extends from Jaipur Bridge to Reconciliation Bridge. Please follow the pathway detour and signage are in place.
• The existing RiverWalk pathway and bike path will remain open from Reconciliation Bridge to 1 Street S.E. with localized detours around the project area and fencing. Please travel carefully as the pathway widths and detours will vary to accommodate construction.
• A temporary detour on Riverfront Avenue is now in place to support the Bow River pathway closure from 2 Street S.W. to 1 Street S.E. Pathway users are detoured onto the Riverfront Avenue detour while construction is underway.
• Sien Lok Park will remain open throughout construction. A temporary pathway along the southern edge of Sien Lok Park extends the pedestrian access from Centre Street to 1 Street S.W. and connects to the Riverfront Avenue detour.
• The lower level of Centre Street will remain closed for the duration of the pathway closures.
• The Center Street pedestrian ramps on the south side of the Bow River are closed for their replacement. People walking and wheeling in the area will be detoured. Signage is installed to support wayfinding in the area.

Lower Centre Street Bridge upgrades

• Starting February 28, the lower deck of Centre Street will be closed. There will be no access for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Our colleagues in Calgary Roads are doing rehabilitation work on the bridge structure to upgrade the existing railings and install screens above the concrete arches on the underside of the bridge. For more information, visit Lower Centre Street Bridge upgrades.
• Once complete, the lower deck detour will be reinstalled. Reopening of the detour and bridge deck is dependent on construction access and progress is subject to change.