50 Avenue S.W. improvements

The project will provide a walking and wheeling multi-use pathway along 50 Avenue S.W. from 14a Street S.W., and connect with existing wheeling infrastructure at 22 Street S.W.

The multi-use pathway replaces the temporary adaptive roadway on the south side of 50 Avenue with a permanent facility and adds roadway safety and traffic calming improvements such as curb extensions and a new traffic signal.

The project is being delivered in two phases: 

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.

The budget for 50^th Avenue S.W. Improvements is $2.5 million, and this project is jointly funded between:

• Annual Paving Program
• Community Improvements - Pathway and Bikeway Plan (5A)

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.