Over 21 individual projects representing a total of $400 million caps a busy year of improvements to Calgary's transportation infrastructure. The City has posted a snapshot of the comprehensive work conducted this year, with two new bridges, four new interchanges, three intersection improvements, and eight major roadway improvements among the suite of investments made over the last 12 months.

21 Calgary transportation projects completed, image via City of Calgary

Opening celebrations are being held today for the 61 Avenue SW pedestrian bridge, which creates an enclosed passageway for pedestrians crossing over Macleod Trail to CF Chinook Centre. The $13 million cost of the project was evenly split between the City and Cadillac Fairview, the owners of CF Chinook Centre. The elevated crossing is seen as a big boon for pedestrian safety; 61 Avenue SW between Centre Street and Macleod Trail is the busiest pedestrian corridor outside of the downtown core.

Looking west at the 61 Avenue SW pedestrian bridge, image via City of Calgary

Calgarians can expect another celebratory atmosphere this Saturday from 1 to 3 PM at Zoo Road and the 12 Street SE Bridge, which will be officially reopened after a year-long effort to replace the 1908-built structure. The new flood-resistant structure spanning the Bow River on the south side of St. George's Island provides two lanes for vehicle traffic, accommodates pedestrians and cyclists, connects to existing pathways on the north and south ends of the bridge, and will be easier to maintain over its expected 100-year lifespan.

Looking east at the new Zoo Road and 12 Street SE Bridge, image via City of Calgary

More than 3,200 jobs were created across the 30 communities covered by these projects. The City says road improvements in residential neighbourhoods around Bowness Road, Northmount Drive and East Memorial have given pedestrians and cyclists a more comfortable experience in areas that are classified as busy driving corridors.

Stay up to date with transportation improvements in Calgary by checking out the Forum.