52 Street S.E. widening will improve traffic flow
CALGARY – The City is widening 52 Street S.E. to improve traffic flow for motorists in the southeast quadrant of Calgary.
The roadway will be closed between 94 Avenue and 106 Avenue S.E. beginning August 13, 2011 at 7 p.m. so it can be expanded from two to six lanes. The closure will last for approximately 12 months.
The project also includes construction of two new bridges over the Western Headworks Canal and the CP Railway tracks, and the widening of 52 Street between 94 Avenue and 106 Avenue S.E. As well, it includes a new storm water management system and relocation of deep utilities, pipelines, and power distribution and transmission lines.
A number of new access roads are being built for businesses along 52 Street between 90 Avenue and 106 Avenue S.E.
Once the project is completed, 52 Street S.E. will be widened from two lanes to six lanes from Glenmore Trail to 114 Avenue S.E. The section of 52 Street S.E. from 114 Avenue S.E. to 130 Avenue S.E. was widened to four lanes last year.
“We looked at different closure scenarios but ultimately determined a full closure of this section of 52 Street was in the best interests of motorists, businesses and the project,” said Rick Sample, Manager of Major Road Projects for Transportation Infrastructure. “There are significant cost and time savings in doing it all at once with a full closure, as well as being safer for both workers and the public.”
During the closure, motorists are encouraged to use Barlow Trail as the main alternative to this portion of 52 Street, with access from either Glenmore Trail, 90 Avenue, 106 Avenue or 114 Avenue. Another alternative route is along 84 Street S.E.
The budget for the entire 52 Street S.E. road widening project is $110 million. A portion of the funding is from the federal government’s Gateways and Border Crossings Fund which accounts for approximately $34.5 million.