14 & 15 Avenue S Mobility Improvements

Click to enlarge image. Please refer to the attached graphic that illustrates these changes.

2024

Fall

• Concrete repairs on 14 Avenue: The enabling works contractor will be performing concrete repairs along 14 Avenue. These repairs are expected to continue until spring 2025, in preparation for the Mobility Improvements construction starting in 2025.
• Traffic signal modifications on 15 Avenue: The enabling works contractor will also be modifying traffic signals along 15 Avenue. These modifications will start in winter 2025, ahead of the Mobility Improvements construction.

2025

• Mobility Improvements construction begins: Construction for the Mobility Improvements will commence in 2025. For more information, please refer to the project scope.

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.
• 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.

Please see the image for the project scope and location.

Plan view of 14 Avenue S. and 15 Avenue S., between 12 Street S.W. and Macleod
Trail S.E.

• 12 Street S.W. to 10 Street S.W.
• 9 Street S.W. to 7 Street S.W.
• 6 Street S.W. to 5 street S.W.
• 4 Street S.W. to 1 Street S.W.
• Centre St. S. to Macleod Trail S.

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.

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.

The project has $10 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.