14 & 15 Avenue S Mobility Improvements
About this project
Project update: April 2025
Construction upgrading pedestrian infrastructure along 14 Avenue S will begin the week of April 14 and is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Pedestrian infrastructure upgrades on 14 Avenue S will include:
- Curb extensions
- Installation of new wheelchair ramps
- Concrete repairs to sidewalks
Construction details:
To limit the impact on businesses, commuters, and pedestrians, work will be conducted in short sections, starting at 14 Street and moving eastward toward Macleod Trail.
Temporary Impacts:
- Traffic: The road will remain open, but there may be minor delays or changes in traffic patterns due to construction activities.
- Sidewalks: Sidewalks will be open for pedestrians, although there may be occasional interruptions. Flag-persons will be present to assist with pedestrian activity, and detours will be in place as needed.
- On-Street Cycling: On-street cycling will be facilitated throughout construction. However, there may be sections of the road guided by detour signs.
- Driveway Access: We will do our best to keep driveway access uninterrupted. If driveway access will be temporarily affected, crews will provide the affected residents/businesses with at least 24 hours' advance notice.
- Street Parking: Street parking will be temporarily removed in active work zones to ensure the safety of motorists and construction crews. Access to street parking will be restored as work is completed in each section.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to improve infrastructure in the area. Your safety remains our top priority.
Changes to Parking and Loading Zones
Click to enlarge the image. Please refer to the attached graphic for a detailed illustration of these changes.
Project schedule – 2024 to 2026
Construction began in the fall of 2024 and is expected be completed by the summer of 2026.
We are currently finalizing the next stages of the construction schedule for both 14 Avenue S and 15 Avenue S and will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Traffic Signal and Lighting Upgrades (in progress):
- New traffic signals on 15 Avenue at Macleod Trail and 2 Street SW will support the new wheeling lanes.
- Lighting levels on 14 and 15 Avenue S are being rebalanced to reduce dark spots, enhancing safety for everyone in the area.
Concrete repairs on 14 Avenue (in progress):
- Concrete repairs to sidewalks on 14 Avenue S will take place from the fall of 2024 until the spring of 2025.
Pedestrian Infrastructure Upgrades (Mid-April 2025 to June 2025):
- Curb extensions and wheelchair ramps will improve pedestrian accessibility along both corridors.
Protected Two-Way Wheeling Lane (schedule TBD):
- The existing painted wheeling lane on 15 Avenue S is being upgraded to a protected two-way lane from 11 Street S.W. to Macleod Trail.
- The existing painted wheeling lane on 14 Avenue S is being removed.
Repaving (schedule TBD):
- Both 14 Avenue S and 15 Avenue S will be repaved.
Traffic Flow Changes (schedule TBD):
- The 14 Avenue S corridor will be converted back to a two-way road. Parking on both sides will remain, and the existing painted wheeling lane will be removed.
Water Main Replacement (schedule TBD):
- The water main on 15 Avenue S from 6 Street S.W. to 8 Street S.W. will be replaced. Residents and businesses directly impacted will receive additional information in the coming weeks, including timing and what to expect.
- Should it be necessary to disrupt water service, residents and businesses will be provided a temporary water supply. All affected customers will receive notice at least a day in advance.
Project scope clarification
Initially, we planned a protected two-way wheeling lane on the north side of 15 Avenue between 12 Street S.W. and southbound Macleod Trail.
After further review, we have shifted the project one block east, extending from 11 Street S.W. to northbound Macleod Trail. This adjustment ensures better connectivity with the future entertainment district and the LRT.
As funding has now been secured for the next phase of this project, we will be
completing the following work:
- Upgrading the existing painted wheeling lane to provide a protected two-way
wheeling lane on the north side of 15 Avenue S between 11 Street S.W. and
northbound Macleod Trail. This will require the removal of parking on the
north side of the road. (See rendering image below) - Changing the 14 Avenue S corridor back to a two-way road. Parking will be
maintained on both sides of 14 Avenue S, and the existing painted
wheeling lane will be removed. - Repaving both corridors as part of this project between 14 Street S.W. and Macleod Trail.
- Upgrading existing streetlights and wheelchair ramps along both corridors.
- Replacing the water main on 15 Avenue S from 6 Street S.W. to 8 Street S.W.
Additionally, we’ll be implementing cathodic protection to preserve the pipes
beneath the corridor. Cathodic protection helps prevent corrosion and
extends the lifespan of underground infrastructure.
Community engagement
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, we hosted a virtual community information session from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This session provided an opportunity for the public to learn about the upcoming Mobility Improvements project on 14 and 15 Avenue S. Participants received updates on the project scope, timelines and had the chance to ask questions.
We appreciate everyone who attended and hope you found the information valuable.
Missed the virtual session or want to revisit?
We also have a comprehensive FAQ document available, addressing questions we didn't have time to cover during the session.
Please see the image for the project scope and location.
Project Design
Plan view of 14 Avenue S. and 15 Avenue S., between 12 Street S.W. and Macleod
Trail S.E.
Project background
As part of the 17 Avenue S.W. Construction Project, detours were required along 14 Avenue and 15 Avenue. Both corridors were temporarily converted to one-way roads, allowing westbound travel on 14 Avenue and eastbound travel on 15 Avenue between 1 Street S.E. and 12 Street S.W.
Despite maintaining parking on both sides of the road, the corridors' width encouraged speeding. Consequently, interested parties urged the City to enhance the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. In response, one-way wheeling lanes (for bicycles, scooters, etc.) were installed in the direction of traffic to provide consistent wheeling facilities and narrow the vehicular travel lanes.
We collected data, reviewed operations, and gathered feedback from Calgarians in 2020 and 2021 to develop a design recommendation for permanent infrastructure along the 14 and 15 Avenue S corridors. We are now moving forward with constructing the permanent infrastructure.
Project alignment with Council priorities
This project supports Calgary's council priorities by:
- Enhancing safety and accessibility: Dedicated wheeling lanes for bike, scooter and skateboard users improve safety by providing protected spaces.
- Promoting social equity: Protected wheeling lanes offer cost-effective, healthy, and inclusive transportation options, enhancing citywide accessibility goals and equitable access to transportation.
- Addressing climate goals: Encouraging wheeling and walking reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Calgary’s climate resilience efforts.
- Strategic infrastructure investments: This initiative is part of a broader strategy to invest in Calgary's infrastructure, improving safety, reducing congestion, and fostering a healthier community.
Project funding
The project has $12.4 million in funding secured for design and construction. This project is being jointly funded by the Government of Canada using the Active Transportation Fund and The City of Calgary under Calgary’s Pathway and Bikeway Network (5A) program and the Downtown Strategy program. These programs fund active infrastructure to make our neighborhoods safer, more inclusive, and accessible for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Parking
Will parking be impacted along 15 Avenue?
We will need to remove parking on the north side of the 15 Avenue corridor between 12 Street S.W. and Macleod Trail.
We recognize that the reduction in parking is challenging, especially given the current demand. While alternative parking solutions may not be available, we are committed to working with residents and businesses to minimize disruptions.
Are you changing parking permit zones? Are you changing the length of stay in parking zones?
Calgary Parking is committed to undertaking a review of parking in the Beltline as part of this project and looking for opportunities and improvements and adjustments as required. Details on any permit changes will be shared closer to construction.
Safety and Accessibility
Will there be adequate emergency access given the concerns about restricted accessibility for emergency vehicles and residents due to the protected wheeling lane?
Emergency response teams are trained to make decisions that ensure access to all properties during emergencies. The project team is committed to ensuring that emergency vehicles can reach residential areas when needed. In critical situations, all emergency vehicles—ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars—will be able to cross over the bike lane buffer without delay, ensuring that response times are not compromised. The bike lane buffer is engineered to allow for the safe passage of emergency vehicles.
Loading zones
How do I move in / out of my building with the relocation of my loading zone?
The City has relocated loading zones to minimize the impacts to residents and businesses along 15 Avenue S.W. The plan can be viewed on the website, and you can reach out to our project team if you have specific questions 1415ave@calgary.ca.
Winter Maintenance and Usage
What is the snow clearing schedule for bike lanes?
The downtown cycle tracks are classified as Priority 1 and will be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
What steps is the project team taking regarding businesses and snow storage, and what new regulations affect snow disposal?
The project team will inform and advise businesses on best practices for storing snow at corners. Additionally, a new bylaw passed in May allows for ticketing businesses that dump snow into cycle tracks. This information will be included in the project team's messaging. For more details, please visit calgary.ca or see the diagram below.
Why is the snow cleared on bike lanes better than the sidewalk?
Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties, as outlined in Section 67 of the Street Bylaw. The City manages snow clearing for sidewalks bordering City parks and other City-owned properties within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall. Sidewalks next to private property must be cleared by the property owner or occupant.
If a pathway or sidewalk on an existing clearing route remains uncleared 24 hours after snowfall, or if you believe it needs to be reviewed for clearing, please call 311 or submit an online request.
Wheeling lane usage
Who can use the new wheeling lane?
The new wheeling lane is designed for: bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, inline skates and shared e-scooters. These users can enjoy a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around.
What about manual and electric wheelchairs?
Manual and electric wheelchairs should use sidewalks, as they are classified as pedestrians in the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.
Where can I find more information on allowed devices?
For more details on where different devices are allowed, you can visit the Calgary website on wheeling lanes, cycle tracks, and bike lanes or refer to the diagram below.
Traffic counts
Do you think the wheeling volumes are sufficient to justify having lanes on both 12 and 15 Avenue corridor?
Traffic data played a key role in shaping the design for this project and the selection of the corridor. The wheeling lane on 15 Avenue will complete a crucial connection in our downtown cycling network, linking 11 Street, 5 Street, and 2 Street to the Victoria LRT station. This improvement aims to provide a safer year-round travel option for all users.
Experience with cycle projects has shown that use will also continue to grow over time once a safe, connected and comfortable route is available.
Engagement and communication
How was the public engagement used?
In 2020 and 2021, there was public engagement conducted to gather feedback on the challenges and benefits of the 14 and 15 Avenue S corridors. Concept options were then presented to the public. We incorporated the feedback received, along with technical recommendations, to develop the final design for 14 and 15 Avenue S. Mobility Improvements project. Feedback and preferences from both phases of engagement were used in the development of the final design plans.
Community collaboration
Throughout the design process, we have collaborated closely with community partners, including neighborhood and community associations, the business improvement area, property managers, and condo boards. This collaboration ensures that community insights and concerns are considered as the project progresses towards construction.
We remain committed to ongoing communication with our community partners as this project continues to evolve.
Project timeline
- Engagement:
- Phase 1: Identification (September 2020)
- Phase 2: Prioritization (January 2021)
- Concept design: Complete
- Detailed design, enabling works: Complete
- Construction starts: Late Spring 2025 *We are here*
Engagement
We incorporated the feedback received, along with technical recommendations, to develop the design for this project.
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Budget
$12.4 million