Deerfoot Trail Improvements
The Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project is being completed by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC)
Construction update -March 2025
Due to ATEC’s extensive work in the Deerfoot Trail corridor, a City of Calgary sanitary force main will be relocated under 12 Street S.E. from 58 Avenue S.E. to 64 Avenue S.E. this spring and summer.
The sanitary force main is a key part of the City of Calgary’s underground sanitary sewer system that transports sanitary sewer effluent between the Bonnybrook and Fish Creek sewage treatment plants.
To safely undertake the work relocating the sanitary force main, the Province’s contractor, Aecon, requires the removal of elm trees lining the east side of 12 Street S.E. Because of the potential risk of spreading Dutch elm disease, all pruned branches, trunks and stumps will be destroyed, and cannot be repurposed, stored or burned.
The City of Calgary works to preserve as many trees as possible throughout construction, and removing trees is always a last resort. However, to make improvements in the area, some tree loss is unavoidable. Approximately 35 tree removals are required as part of the Deerfoot Trail Improvements project.
Under policies outlined in the City of Calgary Parks & Open Spaces tree protection guidelines, Aecon will be responsible for all costs associated with the tree removals and for providing compensation to the City of Calgary.
Aecon’s arborist contractor will complete the tree removals prior to the end of March. Arborist crews will work overnight to minimize traffic and parking impacts for businesses along 12 Street S.E.
The work will be completed in segments to maintain property and business access throughout the project, including tree removals, construction of the sanitary force main, reconstruction of the road structure, storm drainage system and all related curbs, gutters. All utility services will be maintained during this time.
Project Area Updates
The Province of Alberta is advancing through various stages of the Deerfoot Trail Improvements project. The project is generally split into north Deerfoot Trail which consists of four design/bid/build projects, and south Deerfoot Trail consisting of one large design/build project:
North Deerfoot Trail
Beddington Trail – 11 St N.E.
- Construction connecting 11 St N.E., westbound Beddington Trail N.E. and northbound Deerfoot Trail N.E. was completed and opened to traffic in late October 2024..
64 Avenue N.E.
- Construction of the new northbound auxiliary lane between 64 Avenue N.E. and McKnight Blvd N.E., and the new 64 Avenue ramps was completed in late-2023.
McKnight Blvd N.E.
- Construction reconfiguring the interchange is well underway, with anticipated completion in late Summer 2025.
16 Ave N.E. and Deerfoot Trail N.E.
- Ramp construction is underway with scheduled completion in late 2025.
South Deerfoot Trail
Glenmore Trail
- Construction of a northbound bridge and ramps over Glenmore Trail S.E. is well underway, with scheduled completion in 2026.
- The City of Calgary’s Annual Paving Program will be completing additional paving along Glenmore Trail from Deerfoot Trail to Heritage Drive S.W. in summer 2025.
Southland Drive S.E.
- Construction on reconfiguring the interchange is underway, with anticipated completion in 2026.
Bow Bottom Trail / Anderson Road S.E.
- Various elements of the largest segment of the South Deerfoot Trail project are underway, including steel piling for new bridges is well underway. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
- The City of Calgary will be completing a concurrent paving project on Anderson Road from Deerfoot Trail to Macleod Trail S.E. Visit the Annual Paving Program webpage for full project details.
Ivor Strong Bridge
- Construction on twinning the bridge, including steel pilings, is well underway. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
Project overview
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) is undertaking improvements to Deerfoot Trail.
Deerfoot Trail is Alberta’s busiest freeway and sees over 180,000 vehicles per day in some sections. It is a critical component of Calgary’s transportation network for both commuter travel and goods movement. Since Deerfoot Trail was initially constructed in the 1970s, Calgary’s population has doubled, more people have access to vehicles, and traffic volumes have continued to increase.
The improvements will add additional lanes along Deerfoot Trail as well as improve safety and reliability for drivers. This work supports Calgary’s current traffic volumes and sets The City up for future population growth and projected traffic volumes.
Though Deerfoot Trail runs through the heart of Calgary, it is operated and maintained by The Province.
As with any construction project, there will be impacts to the public throughout construction. The City of Calgary will work closely with The Province to limit the impacts of construction to residents, businesses, and commuters wherever possible.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for maintaining Deerfoot Trail during construction?
Carmacks Enterprises is the highway maintenance contractor responsible for the ongoing maintenance of Deerfoot Trail. Within each construction project, the contractor will work closely with Carmacks to ensure the area is adequately maintained.
Contact information for Carmacks can be found here.
How is the City working with the Province to mitigate impacts to the public?
The City will primarily support the Province in mobility communications and traffic adjustments. This includes coordinating closely with the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) and the Signals Engineering team to monitor traffic operations and make necessary adjustments to traffic signals.
Where can I find traffic updates?
TEC’s project website will be updated as traffic updates and impacts are known.
For updates regarding City roadways please refer to the City of Calgary’s Traffic Information Map.
Will bus routes be affected?
Calgary transit has some bus routes on Deerfoot Trail as well as adjacent roads that may be impacted periodically throughout construction. calgarytransit.com will be updated if and when transit routes are affected.
Where can I find further information?
To stay informed throughout construction, please:
- Visit the project website for project information
- Register your email for construction updates here.
With questions, comments or concerns, please email the Alberta Transportation project team at info@deerfootimprovements.ca and a member of the project team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Stay connected
TEC has the following resources in place to keep the public informed throughout construction.
Project website
The central hub for construction information and updates.
E-newsletter
Register your email to receive regular construction information and updates.
Questions, comments, concerns?
Email info@deerfootimprovements.ca and a member TEC’s Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project team will get back to you as soon as possible.