50 Avenue S.W. improvements
Project update – August 2024
Construction is underway on Phase 1 of 50 Avenue S.W. from 14A Street to 19 Street S.W. Our contractor, ALSA Road Construction Ltd, will be on site from late July until mid-September to complete the work, which includes:
- Removal of existing on-street adaptive cycle lane
- New raised multi-use pathway along the south side of 50th Avenue S.W.
- Curb and gutter construction adjacent to multi-use pathway
Crews will work during off-peak hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to minimize traffic disruptions in the community. Transit stops will be temporarily relocated and parking along 50 Avenue S.W. will be impacted during construction.
Next steps:
The project team is working on a detailed design and planning a public information session for Phase 2.
Project timeline
- Engagement: 2017
- Phase 1 Detailed design: Complete
- Phase 1 Construction: July 2024 to September 2024
- Phase 2 Detailed Design: Fall/Winter 2024
- Virtual information session: Fall/Winter 2024, Date TBD
- Phase 2 Construction: Spring 2025
Project overview
The project will provide a walking and wheeling multi-use pathway along 50 Avenue S.W. from 14A Street S.W. to 22 Street S.W. that connects with existing wheeling infrastructure at 20 Street S.W. and 50 Avenue S.W. at 22 Street S.W.
The multi-use pathway will replace the adaptive roadway on the south side of 50 Avenue with a permanent facility and add roadway safety and traffic calming improvements such as curb extensions and a new traffic signal.
Project scope and delivery
The project is being delivered in two phases:
Phase 1 – 2024
- Removal of adaptive roadway on south side of 50 Avenue S.W. from 14A Street S.W. to 19 Street S.W.
- Installation of new raised multiuse pathway in place of adaptive roadway
Phase 2 - 2025
- Curb extensions at key locations along the 50th Ave. S.W. corridor
- Traffic signal at 20 Street S.W. intersection
- Extend multiuse pathway on the south side of 50 Avenue S.W. beyond 19 Street S.W. to connect with the pathway that currently ends at 22 Street S.W.
- Roadway repaving on 50 Avenue from 22 Street to 14A Street S.W.
Questions?
- Contact the project team at 50avenueSW@calgary.ca or call 311.
About the project
50 Avenue S.W. provides access to the residential communities of Altadore, Garrison Woods and North Glenmore Park. It also connects people to schools and destinations such as the Glenmore Athletic Park, River Park and Sandy Beach. As a result, it is well-used by people who walk, bike, take transit and drive.
In 2017, The City of Calgary conducted a transportation corridor study of 50 Avenue S.W. between Crowchild Trail and 14A Street S.W. The final recommended plan for 50 Avenue S.W. included a multi-use pathway on the south side of 50 Avenue S.W along with various other improvements. At that time funding was not available for the construction.
In 2020, The city constructed a temporary adaptive pathway between 19 Street and 14A Street S.W. to allow for cyclists to use the south side of 50 Avenue S.W.
The City of Calgary's Adaptive Roadway Program installed infrastructure on 50 Avenue S.W. as part of its efforts to provide more space for walking, cycling, and other activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This specific installation, involving the closure of the eastbound parking lane between 14A Street S.W. and 19 Street S.W., was implemented to accommodate increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic along the corridor.
Information gathered from the 2017 Engagement, operational history of the temporary adaptive pathway and current plans for the Glenmore Athletic Park were used to develop the option being constructed today.
Project funding
The budget for 50th Avenue S.W. Improvements is $2.5 million, and this project is jointly funded between:
- Mobility Safety
- Community Improvements - Pathway and Bikeway Plan (5A)
Budget
$2.5 million
Alignment with Council priorities
This project supports Calgary’s Council priorities by:
- Enhancing safety and accessibility: Off-street wheeling lanes improve safety by providing bicycles, scooters, skateboards and other wheeling users a separate space from vehicles.
- Promoting social equity: Off-street 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.
Under the Pathways and Bikeways (5A) program, council approved investing $14.1 million to improve existing connections by closing the gaps in our existing network.