Get ready for traffic disruption on Calgary's Red Mile: The city plans to strip 17th Avenue between Macleod Trail and 14th Street S.W. "right down to the dirt" and rebuild it.

The city is holding information sessions for residents this week in advance of planned paving and sidewalk work on the stretch.

Ryan Murray, a spokesperson for the city, said the road is at the end of its life and needs to be rebuilt.

"That will involve deconstructing the road right down to the dirt and then rebuilding the road foundation and pavement. Ultimately it's an investment to make sure 17th Avenue last another 20 or 30 years," he said at an information session on Monday.

New sidewalks, affected businesses

The project will also include a number of improvements for road safety as well as improved lighting and wider sidewalks. New sidewalks will be constructed east of Second Street southwest.

"We're still months away from construction, but now's a good time to introduce the project to those who live and work and travel through the area," said Murray.

He says there will be impacts from the major project on traffic, but "We're going to try our best to leave some, at least pedestrian access open."

That kind of impact will certainly be a concern for the businesses that line the busy strip, but there won't be any compensation.

"We hope to support the businesses by making sure that people continue to come to 17th Avenue during construction," said Murray.

Calgarians look over plans for the reconstruction of 17th Avenue S.W. The busy roadway will be completely rebuilt. (CBC)

Jeremy Milligan is an area resident who's considering buying a business on 17th and is impressed with the information session.

"I think it's fantastic and this is going to help me make the appropriate decision," he said, adding the length of the disruption will determine his plans.

From a resident perspective, he's not too concerned about disruption from noise and construction.

"Previously there have been a lot of condo buildings going up and I haven't been affected," he said.

"I'd love to know more and determine what to expect with that, but I have a lot of faith in Calgary when it comes to that."

The strip is one of Calgary's most visited urban areas, with heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and is often the party place to be after Flames win during the playoffs.

Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2016 and wrap up in late 2017.

Upcoming information sessions

Location: ATB Financial, Community room at 1110 17th Ave. S.W.

Date: Oct. 20-23

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: ATB Financial, Community room at 1110 17th Ave. S.W.

Date: Oct. 21

Hours: 6-8 p.m.

If you're not able to attend one of these events, you can find more information about the project on the city's website.