14 & 15 Avenue S Mobility Improvements

We are upgrading infrastructure along 14 and 15 Avenue S to provide dedicated spaces for walking and wheeling (biking, scootering, and skateboarding).

These improvements will support community health and wellness, and enhance safety, accessibility, and overall mobility for Calgarians and visitors.

Click to enlarge the image. Please refer to the attached graphic for a detailed illustration of these changes.

Construction began in the fall of 2024 and is expected be completed by the summer of 2026.

We are currently finalizing the next stages of the construction schedule for both 14 Avenue S and 15 Avenue S and will provide more information in the coming weeks. 

Traffic Signal and Lighting Upgrades (in progress):

• New traffic signals on 15 Avenue at Macleod Trail and 2 Street SW will support the new wheeling lanes.
• Lighting levels on 14 and 15 Avenue S are being rebalanced to reduce dark spots, enhancing safety for everyone in the area.

Concrete repairs on 14 Avenue (in progress): 

• Concrete repairs to sidewalks on 14 Avenue S will take place from the fall of 2024 until the spring of 2025.

Pedestrian Infrastructure Upgrades (Mid-April 2025 to June 2025):

• Curb extensions and wheelchair ramps will improve pedestrian accessibility along both corridors.

Protected Two-Way Wheeling Lane (schedule TBD):

• The existing painted wheeling lane on 15 Avenue S is being upgraded to a protected two-way lane from 11 Street S.W. to Macleod Trail.
• The existing painted wheeling lane on 14 Avenue S is being removed.

Repaving (schedule TBD):

• Both 14 Avenue S and 15 Avenue S will be repaved.

Traffic Flow Changes (schedule TBD):

• The 14 Avenue S corridor will be converted back to a two-way road. Parking on both sides will remain, and the existing painted wheeling lane will be removed.

Water Main Replacement (schedule TBD):

• The water main on 15 Avenue S from 6 Street S.W. to 8 Street S.W. will be replaced. Residents and businesses directly impacted will receive additional information in the coming weeks, including timing and what to expect. 
• Should it be necessary to disrupt water service, residents and businesses will be provided a temporary water supply. All affected customers will receive notice at least a day in advance.

Initially, we planned a protected two-way wheeling lane on the north side of 15 Avenue between 12 Street S.W. and southbound Macleod Trail.

After further review, we have shifted the project one block east, extending from 11 Street S.W. to northbound Macleod Trail. This adjustment ensures better connectivity with the future entertainment district and the LRT.

As funding has now been secured for the next phase of this project, we will be
completing the following work:

• Upgrading the existing painted wheeling lane to provide a protected two-way
  wheeling lane on the north side of 15 Avenue S between 11 Street S.W. and
  northbound Macleod Trail. This will require the removal of parking on the
  north side of the road. (See rendering image below)
• Changing the 14 Avenue S corridor back to a two-way road. Parking will be
  maintained on both sides of 14 Avenue S, and the existing painted
  wheeling lane will be removed.
• Repaving both corridors as part of this project between 14 Street S.W. and Macleod Trail.
• Upgrading existing streetlights and wheelchair ramps along both corridors.
• Replacing the water main on 15 Avenue S from 6 Street S.W. to 8 Street S.W.
  Additionally, we’ll be implementing cathodic protection to preserve the pipes
  beneath the corridor. Cathodic protection helps prevent corrosion and
  extends the lifespan of underground infrastructure.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, we hosted a virtual community information session from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This session provided an opportunity for the public to learn about the upcoming Mobility Improvements project on 14 and 15 Avenue S. Participants received updates on the project scope, timelines and had the chance to ask questions.

We appreciate everyone who attended and hope you found the information valuable.

We also have a comprehensive FAQ document available, addressing questions we didn't have time to cover during the session.

Please see the image for the project scope and location.

Plan view of 14 Avenue S. and 15 Avenue S., between 12 Street S.W. and Macleod
Trail S.E.

• 12 Street S.W. to 10 Street S.W.
• 9 Street S.W. to 7 Street S.W.
• 6 Street S.W. to 5 street S.W.
• 4 Street S.W. to 1 Street S.W.
• Centre St. S. to Macleod Trail S.

As part of the 17 Avenue S.W. Construction Project, detours were required along 14 Avenue and 15 Avenue. Both corridors were temporarily converted to one-way roads, allowing westbound travel on 14 Avenue and eastbound travel on 15 Avenue between 1 Street S.E. and 12 Street S.W.

Despite maintaining parking on both sides of the road, the corridors' width encouraged speeding. Consequently, interested parties urged the City to enhance the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. In response, one-way wheeling lanes (for bicycles, scooters, etc.) were installed in the direction of traffic to provide consistent wheeling facilities and narrow the vehicular travel lanes.

We collected data, reviewed operations, and gathered feedback from Calgarians in 2020 and 2021 to develop a design recommendation for permanent infrastructure along the 14 and 15 Avenue S corridors. We are now moving forward with constructing the permanent infrastructure.

This project supports Calgary's council priorities by:

• Enhancing safety and accessibility: Dedicated wheeling lanes for bike, scooter and skateboard users improve safety by providing protected spaces.
• Promoting social equity: Protected 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.

The project has $12.4 million in funding secured for design and construction. This project is being jointly funded by the Government of Canada using the Active Transportation Fund and The City of Calgary under Calgary’s Pathway and Bikeway Network (5A) program and the Downtown Strategy program. These programs fund active infrastructure to make our neighborhoods safer, more inclusive, and accessible for everyone.