Project update

Work on Phase 1 and Phase 2 was completed in October 2019. Several improvements made along the corridor included:

Extending the dedicated lane for people cycling from 11 Street to 15 Street S.W.

Adding bicycle turn boxes at 12 Avenue and 11 Street S.W.

Improving travel time for drivers by providing three uninterrupted driving lanes for morning rush hour.

Removing the rush hour parking restriction on the north side of 12 Avenue between 15 Street and 16 Street S.W.

Providing a loading stall on the east side of 12 Street S.W., just north of 12 Avenue S.W.

The initial Phase 3 design and What We Heard engagement feedback was presented in a public information session at the Sunalta Community Hall on Dec. 11, 2019.

In 2020, the project team looked at ways to refine the Phase 3 design to preserve some of the on-street parking along 12 Avenue South while keeping the intent of the project and providing more travel options. The project team is currently completing the technical work for the Phase 3 design and will share the design with the community later this year.

Overall improvements as part of Phase 3 construction include:

Extending the two-way cycle track facility on the north side of 12 Avenue S.W. from 15 Street to 19 Street S.W., and then on the east side of 19 Street S.W. from 12 Avenue to 10 Avenue S.W.

Providing a dedicated cycling facility for all ages and abilities, separated from vehicular traffic by parking curbs and/or flexible delineators.

Using the on-street cycle track to physically narrow the roadway reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety of pedestrians/cyclists.

Retaining one vehicle lane on 12 Avenue S.W. between 15 Street and 19 Street S.W. to preserve some of the on-street parking on 12 Avenue S.W.

Additionally, one southbound vehicle lane is retained on 19 Street S.W. from 10 Avenue to 12 Avenue S.W., with parking consolidated to the west side of 19 Street S.W.

Improving sidewalk ramps at most intersections to line up with pathway routes crossing the street.

Removing two right hand turning lanes to reduce turning speeds, shorten pedestrian crossing distances and improve sightlines.

Adding a new traffic signal at 10 Avenue and 19 Street S.W. to facilitate crossings at 10 Avenue S.W.

Surface overlay repaving along 19 Street S.W. is planned for 2021.

Construction of Phase 3 is currently anticipated to begin in 2021.

Learn more about the types of cycle tracks and bike lanes and tips for cycling in Calgary.

For tips on snow-clearing a sidewalk beside a cycle track, please review this information and share with contractors.

Engagement summary

Public input about the 12 Avenue South Improvements project was collected in Spring 2019. In total, the project team talked to 260 people and over 60 businesses through the open house events, door knocking sessions and online. Thank you to those who provided input. Information from the previous engagement session is available.

Next steps

Over the next 18-months, the new section of open cycle track will be monitored and adjustments may still be made.