Our Blog

17th Avenue Paving Project

17th Ave SW Gets a Facelift
Information from City of Calgary News Blog

After 30 years, we’re rebuilding 17 Avenue SW so it can continue to serve businesses and citizens for decades to come. What started out as a routine road maintenance project, turned into one of the more complex projects on The City’s docket. The biggest factor? It’s location.

1 Macleod Tr to 2 St SW_Resized
Macleod Trail S.E. to 2 Street S.W.

In the heart of one of Calgary’s most popular places to shop, dine, and do business, one does not simply dig up the 2.5km road between Macleod Trail and 14 Street SW, replace 3m deep utilities and then rebuild the road. In addition to this work, the project includes new sidewalks east of 2 Street SW, improved sidewalk space and pedestrian crossings at all intersections, new LED lighting and a new road design.
Logan_resized2
How is The City planning this project so the 17 Avenue SW area can continue to be a great place to visit during construction? Project manager Logan Tolsma explains, “We’re approaching this project differently because of its unique surroundings. We’ve been meeting with businesses and learning about their priorities for the past year. That includes regular meetings with BRZs and a questionnaire for businesses. It allowed us to learn about their busy times, deliveries, access, patio locations- all the things that combined, results in their success”. Tolsma adds, “In the end, this information feeds directly into the construction planning.”

3 Volunteer Way Gateway_Resized
Volunteer Way (Centre Street S.) Gateway

That intimate approach applies to how construction is now unfolding. “We actually changed the schedule once we heard that businesses wanted more predictability and lead time before construction started,” Tolsma continues. That means starting the less impactful shallow utilities this year, followed by the major work in 2017 and 2018. This two-phase approach also provides less risk to the project overall. Furthermore, a contractor will be hired seven month before the major work begins. The extra time means a better approach to planning and staging the construction in this busy entertainment district.

5 5 Street SW Gateway_resized
5 Street S.W. Gateway

“When it comes down to it, we want to make sure people can still get to the area safely while we’re doing this work,” Tolsma confirms. “While we can’t make the construction invisible, we can certainly do our best to make sure it respects the people and businesses that make the area a great place to be.”

7 14 St SW Gateway_resized
14 Street S.W. Gateway

You can read more about the 17 avenue SW reconstruction project at calgary.ca/17avenue.

Share

Share

Blogs you might also like

variety of ice creams

June Flavours | Eats, Treats & Drinks

Local spots are rolling out seasonal specials, creative twists, and limited-time features that bring a little extra summer to your plate (or glass). Whether you’re ...
Read More →
two persons sitting beside body of water

Father’s Day on 17th Ave

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to show your appreciation for the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who’ve made ...
Read More →

17 Reasons to Love 17th

There are places that are easy to love from the outside: trendy, busy, good on paper. But then there are places you fall for because ...
Read More →

Patio Season Has Arrived on 17th Ave ☀️🍽️

It’s that time of year again. Patio season is officially here, and 17th Ave is the place to be. Whether you’re chasing the sun with ...
Read More →

Cinco de Mayo on 17th Ave: Tacos, Tequila & A Whole Lotta Fun

Cinco de Mayo is your excuse (not that you needed one) to sip margaritas, and crush some tacos. 🥃 Tequila Time at Crowfoot Wine & ...
Read More →

Where to Find the Best Wedding Essentials on 17th Ave

Planning a wedding comes with a long list of to-dos. But finding everything you need in one place? That’s a dream 17th Ave is ready ...
Read More →