The City of Calgary has released plans for the $23 million 9th Avenue SE bridge replacement that will soon get underway. Set to replace the original 1909 span, the new bridge will connect downtown and the East Village to Inglewood and Ramsay.

9th Avenue Bridge at the entrance to Inglewood, image via City of Calgary

While initial reactions to the overall design of the bridge have been positive, critics, especially on the Inglewood side of the river, have pointed out that the increase from three to four lanes may negatively impact local traffic patterns. Currently served by only three lanes (two outbound, one inbound), the new design will allow for two lanes in each direction, leading some to believe that Inglewood may become a busy thru-way once work is complete.

1909 bridge, two outbound lanes and one inbound, image via Google Street View

Aside from concerns over vehicular lane capacity, the new span will include ample space for pedestrians and cyclists, which will be split between the north and south sides of the bridge.

New 9th Avenue Bridge to include direct connections for cyclists and pedestrians, image via City of Calgary

During construction, the City will install a temporary two-lane bridge alongside the new one, to allow traffic flow through the entirety of the project. Sure to continue to stir debate among locals, the bridge will be an adjustment for all, the new structure to hopefully serve the city for another hundred years.

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. In the meantime, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.