South Calgary’s Ivor Strong Bridge will open to traffic on July 27, marking a major milestone in the ongoing Deerfoot Trail Improvements project. 

During a media availability on Tuesday, July 21, Alberta Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said the bridge is opening on time and on budget.  

“Not only are we maintaining what we have, but we are also building,” he said.

Once it opens, all southbound traffic will use the new structure while the existing bridge will carry northbound traffic. The change will deliver four lanes in each direction. 

“Alberta has witnessed 400,000 new drivers,” he said. 

“To keep up with growth now, construction along the Deerfoot will continue through next year.”

Dreeshen acknowledged that construction has been disruptive for drivers, but said that maintaining safe driving habits is important, urging motorists to slow down near roadside workers.

“Thank you for your patience,” he said.

“Let’s make sure that we can keep everybody safe until Deerfoot construction is completed.”

Ivor Strong Bridge part of a bigger picture

The bridge is part of the province’s $700 million Deerfoot Trail Improvement project, which includes lane widening, bridge replacements and interchange upgrades aimed at reducing congestion along one of Calgary’s busiest highways. 

Michael Gash, senior construction manager at Aecon, said that the Anderson Road interchange is expected to be completed this fall, with work at Glenmore Trail and Southland Drive continuing through early 2027. 

The overall Deerfoot project is expected to be complete by October next year. 

When finished, the province estimated that the upgrades would cut commute times by about 20 per cent, ultimately saving drivers roughly one million hours each year. 

The broader project includes about 70 km of paving, 40 km of lane widening, and 20 km of concrete barriers, alongside upgrades to seven existing bridges and the construction of two new ones.

Four major projects have already been completed, including work at McKnight Boulevard NE, 16 Avenue NE, Beddington Trail NW, 11 Street E, and 64 Avenue NE. 

Gash thanked engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and nearby businesses for their support throughout construction, calling the bridge opening a significant milestone made possible through collaboration. 

Dreeshen said bridge construction has been the most technically challenging part of the project because of the engineering and geotechnical work required around the Bow River.  

They also pointed to wet weather earlier this year as one of the biggest challenges affecting construction schedules. 

Officials said work will continue through the remainder of this year and into next year, with additional paving, barriers, lighting and traffic changes planned before the entire project is completed.