Decommissioning of Pedestrian Overpass at Chinook Centre

Decommissioning of Pedestrian Overpass at Chinook

Project update – June 2026

The City and our contractor, Graham Construction, will be removing the open-air pedestrian overpass this month.

 June 17-19: Remove signage from overpass

June 19-20: Remove bridge girders over Macleod Trail (overnight work)

June 19-23: Remove ramp on east side of Macleod Trail

June 24-26: Remove ramp on west side of Macleod Trail

In  coordination with Cadillac Fairview Chinook Centre the +15 overpass accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

About the project

The City of Calgary has identified that the pedestrian overpass across MacLeod Trail near Chinook Centre is in poor condition structurally, deteriorating and at the end of its useful life. In addition to its condition, the overpass does not meet modern standards and there are significant public safety concerns with activities on and around the bridge. As a result, the overpass will be decommissioned.

The pedestrian overpass across Macleod Trail S.W. near Chinook Centre is at the end of its useful life and will be demolished in 2026. The overpass is in poor structural condition and does not meet modern standards. There are also significant public safety concerns with illicit activities on and around the bridge.

Location and project location map

The pedestrian bridge south of 61 Avenue S.W. crosses Macleod Trail between Chinook Centre on the west side and Home Depot to the east.

Scope of work

  • Demolish existing pedestrian overpass
  • Repair any landscaping and surfaces
  • Install new overhead signs
  • Open +15 enclosed overpass 24/7
  • Relocate bus stops

Traffic impacts

  • An overnight closure of Macleod Trail S.W. for overpass removal
  • Occasional outside lane closures 

Benefits

  • Safely decommissioning the pedestrian overpass will remove a redundant, deteriorating asset at the end of its life cycle.  
  • Removing the overpass and redirecting pedestrian traffic to the +15 overpass at 61 Avenue S.W. provides a safe, covered crossing with 24-hour security closer to the Chinook CTrain station and relocated bus stops along MacLeod Trail. 
  • The removal will also help address the increasing illicit activity on and around the pedestrian overpass that has created an unsafe environment for pedestrians.  

Budget

The estimated investment for this project is $670,000.

Photos of current conditions

Frequently asked questions

Why is the bridge being torn down and not restored?

The pedestrian overpass is in poor structural condition and has deteriorated over time as it reached the end of its useful life. The overpass was built in 1973 and doesn’t meet modern standards for accessibility.

Where can I safely cross MacLeod Trail without the bridge?

The City is working with Cadillac Fairview to open the enclosed +15 overpass at 61 Avenue S.W. 24 hours/day with round-the-clock security. 

How will removing the bridge impact Calgary Transit bus stops?

Bus stops along Macleod Trail S.W. will be relocated closer to the +15 overpass.

Will a new pedestrian overpass be replaced in the future?

Currently, there are no plans to install a new overpass, or replace an old overpass. 

Project timeline

  • November 2025 – Traffic assessment and area study
  • Spring 2026 – Pedestrian overpass is closed and +15 overpass at 61 Avenue S.W. opens 24/7
  • Summer 2026 – Pedestrian overpass  removal

Contact us

If you have questions or concerns about this project, please contact 311 by phone,  online, or through the mobile app.


This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​