CALGARY, ALTA. – Calgary has upgraded its construction detour and closure notifications for the summer construction season after input from residents.
The upgrades include simplified, larger maps posted at both the beginning and the end of the detour. Directional signs will be displayed at every turn throughout detours. For high-use pathways, digital signs will be posted at the site five days prior to the closure.
The city plans to update its pathways app and online interactive pathways map in real time. Residents will also be able to call 311 to get detour route info.
The city has also committed to designing detour routes with both pedestrians and cyclists in mind and separating them when appropriate. Officials will be conducting follow-up inspections to ensure signs are properly installed and visible.
“Over the past few years we’ve seen an increase in the number of people using pathways for both recreation and commuting. Since 2015 we have also seen an increase in the number of closures required to Calgary’s pathway network,” said Ian Tucker, Calgary Parks pathways lead, in a press release. “We recognize our closure standards have not kept pace with this growth and have made changes throughout the winter to improve planning and communication of pathway closures. The improvements will make it easier for all Calgarians to understand where they can access pathways safely and how to get around closures.”
The first test of the change was April 1 when they were implemented on pathways on the north side of the Bow River along Memorial Drive. The detours are in place to accommodate flood resiliency construction along the Bow River. Upgrades are also being made to the existing flood barrier in Sunnyside.
The city explained it will be determining the extent of the upgrades needed by conducting various studies of the ground conditions, groundwater and condition of the existing barrier. Upgrades to the barrier, in addition to upstream mitigation on the Bow River, are required to avoid damage seen during the 2013 floods.
The city plans to implement rotating pathway closures to allow for digging of test pits, borehole drilling and installation of monitoring wells along the pathway.
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