Calgary drivers can expect a bumpy ride next week as the city braces for traffic disruptions brought about by an increase in visitors attending the G7 Summit.
On June 11, the city’s general manager of operational services, Doug Morgan, joined Mayor Jyoti Gondek to deliver an update on the traffic mitigation strategies being implemented near the airport and downtown.
“Our aim is to make your travels across the city as smooth as possible,” said Mayor Gondek.
Starting at 1 a.m. on Jun. 15, the airport tunnel and 19 Street off-ramp will be closed to accommodate motorcade movements. As a result, stopping and parking on the airport’s perimeter will be prohibited between Jun. 14 and 18.
While Airport Trail NE will remain open, Morgan directed anyone travelling there from the east to take the alternative route of Country Hills Boulevard to Barlow Trail. Mayor Gondek added that unlisted road closures are anticipated to happen without notice.
“Just remember that these disruptions, while they are necessary, are also temporary,” she said.
“They ensure the safety and security of everyone that’s involved, from residents to international guests.”
Gondek said that any unknown road changes will likely be the result of motorcades transporting delegates to and from Kananaskis. To alleviate some downtown congestion, Morgan said that the city has shifted the timelines of certain projects.
Having opened early in the second week of June, construction on the 4 Avenue flyover was expedited. Also, the previously closed lanes along the west end of 9 Avenue have reopened.
“Our goal is to minimize disruption, to keep Calgary moving smoothly during the Summit,” said Morgan.
“While continuing to provide Calgarians with a reliable, safe, and modern transportation system.”
Additionally, he said that the city has made several efforts to improve the productivity of Calgary’s roadways, including fixing street lights, repainting faded pavement markings, and even testing out innovative ways to better coordinate traffic.
The Traffic Management Centre (TMC) monitors vehicle transportation city-wide. Situated in a large room with dozens of screens displaying camera feed from each intersection, the staff at the TMC are responsible for initiating lights and turning signals to ease back-ups.
What’s new, according to Morgan, is the ability for TMC staff to see a 360-degree perspective of intersections. Using virtual reality headsets, he said that this allows operators to make signal adjustments when vehicles start lining up, not after the traffic has made itself comfortable.
“It is the first of its kind in Canada, and we’ve done some pilot testing,” said Morgan.
“Early results look promising.”
All major roads, including Deerfoot, Stoney, Glenmore, and Crowchild Trail, will remain open during the convention. Yet, both Gondek and Morgan said that all Calgary roads will be subject to sudden delays until the event concludes.
“We encourage Calgarians to take transit, bike, or walk, or travel at less busy times,” said Morgan.
“Every little bit will help.”
The city recommends that residents consult their website or the Waze mobile app for the most up-to-date traffic information.
