Midlake Boulevard S.E. traffic calming project

Project overview

In response to a request from the community to improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds, we implemented traffic calming measures along Midlake Boulevard S.E., from Bannister Road S.E. to Sunbank Road S.E. This project was a continuation of the traffic calming measures that were implemented on Sunmills Drive S.E. in 2015.

We also extended the bike lanes that run along Sunmills Drive S.E. to continue along Midlake Boulevard S.E.

Benefits to the community include:

• Reduced speeds along Midlake Boulevard S.E. by narrowing the roadway
• Safer pedestrian crossings at schools
• Protected parking areas
• Separation of road users (people driving, walking, cycling) for increased safety

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Construction Phase 1 - 2018

Phase 1 construction included:

• New curb ramps
• Temporary and permanent curb extensions
• Removal of channelized right turns
• On-street bike lanes from south of Sun Valley Boulevard S.E. to Midpark Boulevard S.E.
• Parking changes

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Construction Phase 2 - 2019

Phase 2 construction (ultimate design) included:

• Replaced temporary curb extensions with permanent ones
• New multi-use pathway along the north side of Midlake Boulevard S.E., from the Midpark Boulevard/Midridge Drive intersection to the existing pathway over Macleod Trail
• Intersection improvements at Midlake Boulevard/Midpark Boulevard S.E.
• On-street bike lanes

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What is traffic calming?

Traffic calming is implementing tools that can change driver behaviour or reduce driver speed. Traffic calming:

• Minimizes conflicts between users (people walking, cycling and driving)
• Enhances neighbourhood livability​​​​ and environment
  • Reduces negative road impacts (speed, noise)
  • Provides future opportunity for community enhancement initiatives
  • Encourages active mode travel (walking and cycling) by introducing bike lanes

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Why traffic calming?

A traffic calming request was submitted by members of the community. It was supported by a signed petition, the Community Association, the Calgary Police Service and The City verified the community concerns through speed and travel data.

To calm traffic in this community, the integration of curb extensions and bike lanes:

• Defines road spaces for more orderly traffic flow
  
• Provides a designated space for people cycling
• Provides buffers between people walking and driving
• Lowers traffic speeds
• Makes people walking more visible to drivers

Public engagement

In May 2017, The City asked for input from the community on the preliminary design concept at a public open house and through an online survey. The project team also met with the Mid-Sun Community Association, Midnapore Lake Residents Association and school representatives in 2017 and 2018. The team used public and community member feedback and technical analysis to finalize designs.

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Community member meetings

• The project team met with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Calgary Catholic School Division (CCSD) in May 2017 to share information about the project and discuss issues and concerns with current traffic operations and pedestrian safety. Meeting attendees reviewed and discussed the preliminary concept and provided input on school bus parking, parent pick-up and drop off areas, and pedestrian safety improvements.
• The project team held a meeting with the Midlake Residents Association and the Mid-Sun Community Association on May 10, 2017 to review the preliminary concept and collect feedback. View the meeting summary​.

Public events

• The City hosted a public open house on May 23, 2017, to introduce the project and collect feedback on preliminary traffic calming designs. The public was also invited to provide input online through the online mapping tool until June 11, 2017. View input summaries from the public open house and online tool.
• The City hosted a public information session on May 17, 2018, to share information about the final plans, project phasing and construction timelines. More than 50 people attended. View the information boards​. A summary report will be shared when it is available.

Stay informed

Check this page for updates. If you have questions about this project please contact 311 and the Community Traffic team will respond.​

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Visit Community Traffic Studies for general information about the program.