[You Need A Thneed]

Hey Mersar - any update on the XRT bridge? I don't suppose you could grab a couple of pictures of the supports if they are poured?

There are some recent pics in the "Calgary Public Transit" thread.

[lubicon]

They put up some maps up earlier this month with the summer update, from how it reads (and looks) the entire thing will open at once, with Tuscany Blvd being restricted to 1 lane each way initially where it turns off the existing alignment (on the south side, rather then the north thats currently acting as 1 lane each way). The update said this should happen by the end of July. The map shows that at this point SB Stoney will be going over the new bridge, while NB will stay on the detour.

The Crowchild update now lists Fall 2011 as the completion date, with the detour road thats currently in use being used until Fall 2010 (meaning that detour will have been in place for 5 years)

That would be a nightmare in the making. There is no left turn lane built into the detour to facilitate NB Stoney > Tuscany movements so that traffic would get backed up along Stoney in a hurry. I'll have to look at those maps, but I can't see how this work.

Upon review of the maps, I predict a clusterf>ck in the making until the full interchagne opens. What a nightmare of temporary lanes etc. And this will be there until the Crowchild interchange opens next year from what I can see.

[mersar]

Just until fall from what I can tell, the completion date for the entire interchange is still listed as Fall 2009. The north end of this construction zone (essentially where Tuscany Blvd intersects currently) will probably stay with the shift until Crowchild interchange is done, but the rest should be fully switched over this fall. As for adding a left turn to NB, there will be plenty of room from moving the SB lanes off the detour so just shuffle a few barriers and you have the lane. The map itself looks to have a error in it, as theres 2 NB lanes north of the intersection, but only a single lane south of it (a single lane south makes sense once the NB lanes are on the bridge, not before)

[You Need A Thneed]

The plans in the tender for the construction of the remaining bridges at Crowchild trail show a totally different detour plan. Pretty much the lanes of Crowchild will be moved to use as much of the future right turn ramps as possible. The eastbound lanes of Crowchild will cut way to the south, and the westbound lanes will cut way to the North. Stoney Trail will follow it existing path, but will have two lights instead of one.

Its marked as the stage 2 detour, likely required to remove the existing detour road in preparation for the main lanes of stoney to open up.

I don't when when this configuration will start, or for how long it will have to be place.

[mersar]

Thats curious. I was expecting them to shift Crowchild onto the bridge once the ramp underpass is built so that they are using the original intersection (considering the light poles for the traffic lights were left in place, just with the lights removed), then remove the detour and connect Stoney under the bridges.

[You Need A Thneed]

Thats curious. I was expecting them to shift Crowchild onto the bridge once the ramp underpass is built so that they are using the original intersection (considering the light poles for the traffic lights were left in place, just with the lights removed), then remove the detour and connect Stoney under the bridges.

Yeah, but I guess this assumes that the new bridges over the NB-WB ramp won't be done, so running Crowchild in it's final alignment won't be possible yet.

[Stang]

Stoney Trail south of the future Tuscany/Scenic interchange was getting a lot of gravel, some rollers flattening it out, etc. this morning. So it looks like they're almost ready to pave.

I don't think that it'll be too bad traffic wise for NB Stoney drivers turning left into Tuscany. As Mersar pointed out, the SB lanes will be out of the way so they'll be able to make some turning lanes using that space.

Here's what I was able to find which shows how things should look once things get shifted around in the coming weeks:

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType490/Production/stscenic-m6.pdf

Makes a little more sense to me now. What can I say - I'm a visual learner. ;)

[lubicon]

Stoney Trail south of the future Tuscany/Scenic interchange was getting a lot of gravel, some rollers flattening it out, etc. this morning. So it looks like they're almost ready to pave.

I don't think that it'll be too bad traffic wise for NB Stoney drivers turning left into Tuscany. As Mersar pointed out, the SB lanes will be out of the way so they'll be able to make some turning lanes using that space.


What Mersar says make sense, I can see how it will work now. I noticed the gravel work this morning too, about all they have left is where the road will rejoin the current Stoney trail south of the interchange. They had also poured the curbs and median under the interchagne so that portion is really moving along. I can see the interchange opening as planned. The tie in to Tuscany Blvd seems to be taking forever, there has not been a lot of visible work there for a few days now. Also hard to see how they are doing on the loop from SB Stoney > Tuscany Blvd as you can't see it from Stoney right now. I assume it must be coming along too.

Regarding the Crowchild detours, I'd like to see the drawings. It sounds like they will use the new EB Crowchild > SB Stoney ramp as the detour, then cross Stoney (with temporary lights) and maybe use the new NB Stoney > EB Crowchild ramp as the south detour. Same idea with the WB Crowchild detour, but to the north I would guess. They will really have to go a long ways north and south on these detours to get the road up/down to grade with Stoney. Any closer to the bridges and the height difference will be too high.

[You Need A Thneed]

Regarding the Crowchild detours, I'd like to see the drawings. It sounds like they will use the new EB Crowchild > SB Stoney ramp as the detour, then cross Stoney (with temporary lights) and maybe use the new NB Stoney > EB Crowchild ramp as the south detour. Same idea with the WB Crowchild detour, but to the north I would guess. They will really have to go a long ways north and south on these detours to get the road up/down to grade with Stoney. Any closer to the bridges and the height difference will be too high.

That's pretty much what the drawings show, yup. There will then be two temporary lights along stoney, and probably 500-600 metres between them.

I don't know when that will be implemented. It probably could be done right away, but it probably doesn't NEED to be done right away, as there's still a long time before the bridges will be able to be used.

[freeweed]

The 60 zone for the stalled Stoney pedestrian bridge is temporarily gone. The signs are all down today, not sure if this was due to last night's wind or if someone finally woke up to the fact that zero work has been done there in weeks.

[Stang]

The 60 zone for the stalled Stoney pedestrian bridge is temporarily gone. The signs are all down today, not sure if this was due to last night's wind or if someone finally woke up to the fact that zero work has been done there in weeks.

They were nabbing people there last week, even though it had been inactive for months (Edit: "weeks" rather).

I'm all for strict enforcement when workers are present. But 11:00 on a Sunday night when there haven't been workers there for weeks - I think that completely misses the intention of the law.

[korzym]

NEW VIDEO!! WHOOOO!!


b4txcge9XZ8

[YYCguys]

They were nabbing people there last week, even though it had been inactive for months (Edit: "weeks" rather).

I'm all for strict enforcement when workers are present. But 11:00 on a Sunday night when there haven't been workers there for weeks - I think that completely misses the intention of the law.

Right! And completely unfair!

[Ferreth]

b4txcge9XZ8

I'm hearing some major road noise going east, especially past the Stoney bridges - is that just some bad suspension noise or some bad road out there?

Cool commentary - my #2 complaint about Calgary drivers - get out of the left lane if you're not passing or the highway isn't full! :hell:

[korzym]

I'm hearing some major road noise going east, especially past the Stoney bridges - is that just some bad suspension noise or some bad road out there?

Cool commentary - my #2 complaint about Calgary drivers - get out of the left lane if you're not passing or the highway isn't full! :hell:
I'd suspect it was the temporary road to cross over the median. On second glance the bridge over the railway tracks was being resurfaced, it was already there but I wrote in the marker that its a new bridge, I changed that. So road quality must have been a factor. Heading east my windows were up, going west they were down, so i'm a bit surprised going east is worse

If you have any other tips for driving commentary I'm all ears. I think people get self-righteous and play the role of police officer when they block the left lane, or simply not trained.

[Joborule]

NEW VIDEO!! WHOOOO!!


b4txcge9XZ8
The audio makes this sound like some console fantasy racing game. :D

[korzym]

The audio makes this sound like some console fantasy racing game. :D

lol...next time I'll tune into one of those indian radio stations ;)

[korzym]

Province says ring road timeline tight

By RENATO GANDIA

Last Updated: 31st July 2009, 3:44am

Calgary's traffic will have an access to at least half of the city's ring road by fall and the province intends to complete the whole project by 2015.

But Trent Bancarz, a spokesman with Alberta Transportation, said although the province's timeline hasn't changed the target date may no longer be realistic following the Tsuu T'ina vote turning down an offer to purchase reserve land to build the southwest leg of the freeway.

"We're now working with the city to find a solution on that one," said Bancarz.

Recently, the majority of the $430-million northwest leg of the freeway was opened to traffic. It stretches from 16 Ave. to Harvest Hills Blvd. to Deerfoot Tr.

Construction of the northeast leg is underway and Bancarz said if the pace continues it will be open to traffic on or before November.

This portion is being constructed as a P3 project, with a price tag of $650 million according to the 2007 dollar value, which include the design, construction and maintenance for 30 years.

The northeast ring road will link 17 Ave. S.E. to the interchange of Stoney Tr. and Deerfoot Tr.

The roadway will run in a nearly straight line between 68 St. and 84 St. north from 17 Ave. S.E. before turning west to the interchange of Stoney Tr. and Deerfoot Tr.

The southeast portion is set to begin construction in spring 2010 if the province gets a compliant bidder, said Bancarz.

This portion runs from 17 Ave. S.E. to Highway 22X, to Highway 2A.

Like the northeast leg, it will be constructed as a P3 project which means that its builder will also maintain the road for 30 years. It's price tag is not yet available and the province targets to have it open by 2013.

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/07/31/10323576-sun.html

[MalcolmTucker]

Good 'ol debt financing Mr. Stelmach!

[mersar]

Looks like Tuscany/Scenic Acres is close to being ready for the staged opening. They've got the traffic lights on both sides of the interchange on, though the lights for heading eastbound under the bridge are bagged over still. The supports for the overhead signs are sitting on the pavement, and they've done at least the base pave on all the road including under the bridge from what it looked like. Some parts have the top layer as well, and it was likely done in the past day or so, as it was steaming away as the rain hit it.

[freeweed]

Aaaaaand... the 60kph zone for the pedestrian bridge by CHB is back in force. With absolutely zero construction activity, again. No new materials on site, either (it looks like it's ready for the beams).

[canlefty]

Aaaaaand... the 60kph zone for the pedestrian bridge by CHB is back in force. With absolutely zero construction activity, again. No new materials on site, either (it looks like it's ready for the beams).

Yep, just gearing up for the end of the month quota rush.

But who knows, perhaps the construction zone is somehow sexually arousing to a particular protected specie of squirrel, and so the 60kph limit is needed for environmental purposes? Your guess is as good as mine.

[lubicon]

Yup, they've been moving along at a pretty good pace, lots of workers on site every day. The new Tuscany Blvd alighnment isn't quite so far along though. They are just pouring the curbs on the road and it still needs to be paved and tied in. I'd say a few more weeks before they are done, but still, the interchange should open within a month I would say.

[korzym]

great article on the project
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary+Ring+Road+eases+commutes+transforms+neighbourhoods/1887611/story.html

[mersar]

Stoney @ Tuscany

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug12-1.jpg
Road base for Tuscany Blvd, a considerable height above the existing road to allow for the slope needed for the corner

Stoney @ Crowchild
http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneycrowchild-aug12-1.jpg
Lesson on why projects should be finnished and not left to sit... you can see the asphalt they used to build a curb to direct the water away from that side following the rain

XRT

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/xrt-aug12-1.jpg
http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/xrt-aug12-2.jpg

[korzym]

it's looks totally feasible to divert traffic onto those bridge decks

[mersar]

Yep, except for the fact on the other side of the bridge deck will be a 20 foot hole in a matter of weeks (hopefully, when did the tender close for the bridges?). Aside from that, those two bridges are considered 100% completed.

Heres some more shots from today of the Tuscany/Scenic Acres:

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug15-1.jpg
Looking north at the new SB lanes of Stoney (ignore the color being off, I accidently bumped the camera into 'P' mode without realizing)

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug15-2.jpg
Looking west under the bridges

[You Need A Thneed]

it's looks totally feasible to divert traffic onto those bridge decks

Yeah, like Mersar said, they could use the bridges, but you 'd pretty much have to slow down to 25km/h to make the corner (because the new excavation will be fairly close to the end of the bridges), and then you'd still have to use some of the existing detour.

No point it making the detour more difficult by shifting traffic at this point.

[Ferreth]

Here's a couple of pics of Stoney Trail just east of Harvest Hills. The road looks like it's done to me. Just waiting for the work at Nose Hill creek and Deerfoot to finish now.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3827482489_be11937f8a_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3828283238_3b6a0c436d_b.jpg

[lubicon]

There must be a big push to get the Tuscany interchange finished, or else they may have fallen behind schedule from all the recent rain. I came home from the Viper's game on Saturday evening (about 8:30) and they were still on site working up a storm.

[lubicon]

And speaking of Stoney, what's the holdup with the pedestian bridge linking Arbour Lake and Royal Oak? There has been absolutely no progress there in quite some time. If things are grinding to a halt they could at least remove the construction zone speed limit signs along SB Stoney. :hell:

[Stang]

And speaking of Stoney, what's the holdup with the pedestian bridge linking Arbour Lake and Royal Oak? There has been absolutely no progress there in quite some time. If things are grinding to a halt they could at least remove the construction zone speed limit signs along SB Stoney. :hell:

Rant from Freeweed in 3...2...1 :)

I fully agree. As Freeweed noted a couple of weeks ago, they took them down but then put them back up recently. Of course, there's still nothing going on. Until workers are actually present (or if the road configuration changes to necessitate a lower speed limit - unlikely there) there is absolutely no reason to drop it to 60 there.

[mersar]

And speaking of Stoney, what's the holdup with the pedestian bridge linking Arbour Lake and Royal Oak? There has been absolutely no progress there in quite some time. If things are grinding to a halt they could at least remove the construction zone speed limit signs along SB Stoney. :hell:

I'm suspecting that they are fabricating most of the bridge offsite and will then bring it in all at once. The design (http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/dba/calgary_planning_commission/agenda/2008/m2008_034.pdf) of the bridge is almost all steel, with the deck suspended by cables from steel arches over each half of Stoney. The arches connect to the concrete thats been poured which appears to be all the concrete actually required for it.

[freeweed]

They're waiting on steel.

What precisely is being waited on for the Royal Oak/CHB intersection is beyond me.

It's actually kinda funny, during the boom companies couldn't find people, materials were running out, and yet stuff just seemed to be built at least semi-constantly. Ever since the recession took hold, construction projects are being stalled left and right for no apparent reason. I suspect financing from the sub-trades or materials suppliers is causing it, but it's amusing. You'd think it would be harder and take longer to build stuff when you couldn't find labour or stuff to build with, but apparently it's the exact opposite, at least in this city.

And yet the Tuscany interchange had guys working at 9pm on a Saturday night. Good to see at least some stuff chugging along.

[kap384]

I'm suspecting that they are fabricating most of the bridge offsite and will then bring it in all at once. The design (http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/dba/calgary_planning_commission/agenda/2008/m2008_034.pdf) of the bridge is almost all steel, with the deck suspended by cables from steel arches over each half of Stoney. The arches connect to the concrete thats been poured which appears to be all the concrete actually required for it.



Thanks for posting the design. Hadn't seen that before. Not a bad looking bridge. Better than the most recent one on Country Hills IMO.

[lubicon]

The Tuscany interchange has to be be very close to opening. As of this morning:

- lines have been painted on the new Stoney alignment, both north and south of the interchange
- lines are painted on the new road under the interchange
- traffic lights are working on the new road under the interchagne
- street lights have been installed along the new Stoney alignment, are are working

The work to re-align Tuscany Blvd is coming along now as well. The first portion, to join the 'old' Tuscany Blvd' with the 'new' alignment was paved yesterday but still lacks lines.

This morning they had traffic cones set up on Stoney reducing it to 1 lane SB as you approached the interchange and all the way down the hill to where the new alignment joins the old. They also had cones set up on the new Stoney alignment and one of those portable orange electronic construction signs set up near where SB Stoney will shift over to the new alignment, but I couldn't see if it was set up with any messages or warnings.

[mersar]

Good to hear. They've had one of those electronic signs sitting just north of Nosehill on Stoney for about a week as well, nothing showing on it yet though

[mersar]

Tuscany interchange is now open... must have been today, as they've baricaded off the old interchange, BUT haven't turned off or covered the old lights so everyone is actually obeying them and stopping on the red despite there being no possible way for traffic to turn onto Stoney.

And I now understand why so many residents of Tuscany dislike this design... especially with the 30km/h speed limit on it currently its a horrendously long way to drive.

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug21-1.jpg
Looking northbound from the southbound Stoney ramp... that set of traffic lights is Scenic Acres Link

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug21-2.jpg
The curve from the old alignment

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug21-3.jpg
Looking southbound from just past the curve. Scenic Acres is the 2nd green sign down the median (barely visible)

http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/stoneytuscany-aug21-4.jpg
Looking east under Stoney

[freeweed]

Why the hell the developers of Tuscany were allowed to build what they did is beyond me. It should have been obvious to line up the road from Scenic Acres with the main road leading to Tuscany, but alas.

Not sure if the ravine system would have messed with that but I'm willing to bet it wasn't even looked at regardless. I've seen many neighbourhoods in Calgary where roads don't line up, necessitating such stupidity as a multi-km long bypass route.

[Ferreth]

Why the hell the developers of Tuscany were allowed to build what they did is beyond me. It should have been obvious to line up the road from Scenic Acres with the main road leading to Tuscany, but alas.

Not sure if the ravine system would have messed with that but I'm willing to bet it wasn't even looked at regardless. I've seen many neighbourhoods in Calgary where roads don't line up, necessitating such stupidity as a multi-km long bypass route.

Agreed - Country Hills Blvd comes to mind - driving from Deerfoot west you have Coventry Blvd exiting to the right, then Harvest Hills Gate exiting to the left, then Coventry Hills Blvd exiting to the right. Are we confused yet? :koko: Don't even get me started on the stupidity that is the shopping areas west of that.

[lubicon]

Had a chance to test out the new Tuscany interchange several times over the weekend. It's ironic that now that we get an interchange it will actually increase access time to get into and out of Tuscany but they didn't have much of a choice over the design. There are a few things that are REALLY going to be a pain however. I can live with the temporary 30km/h speed limit while they finish re-alighning Tuscany Blvd, but what I'm going to slit my wrists over is the ridicuously low 50km/h speed limit they have put on that road for when it fully opens. It's a full 2km from where Tuscany Blvd turns south from its old alignment to where it conncts onto SB Stoney and the speed limit is 50 the entire way which is mind boggling. That includes what must be one of the longest on ramps I hae ever seen from the interchagne onto SB Stoney and that one is signed as 50 too. Not the yellow caution/recommended speed limit signs, but the white ones which means they could enforce the speed if they so choose. There's no way ANYONE is going to go 50 for that entire distance. Besides one entrance into a condo developement there is nothing else the road passes this entire way so why they decided on 50 as a speed limit is beyond me.

One other thing they could have done to improve things is where Tuscany Blvd (SB) connects to the interchagne. There is a set of lights to facilitate the movement from SB Tuscany to NB Stoney / WB Scenic Acres Link>SB Stoney, but they could have put a concrete meridian and split Tuscany Blvd so that it went 'around' the lights if you wanted to continue SB onto Stoney. You wouldn't have to stop at the lights this way.

[You Need A Thneed]

Write your alderman about the final speed limit. 50 there is ridiculous, IMO.

[freeweed]

Wow am I ever happy I don't live in Tuscany. The city has pooched up access into Royal Oak, but this sounds 10x worse. :(

[korzym]

The added distance is a downer, I don't like the curve of the road coming out of tuscany, it certainly doesn't accommodate high speed IMO. Isn't the limit on tuscany's main road into the valley 50? or 60? I think thats how they view taht section of road, just an extension of a residential area. I wouldn't like the low speed limit out in tuscany, but to put it in perspective, much of 16th ave is 50km/h pretty much exactly where there were recent renovations

I also happen to believe this design should be followed at the tuscany/scenic acres access, at the newly established intersection: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/INTERSECTION-SMARTSTYLEPOLISHSTYLE.png
thats in Warsaw. One of their major roads through the city obviously had funding limitations, thats what they came up with. But the thing is the lane at the top would be freeflow.

and many other t-intersections could benefit from that design.

[lubicon]

I'll still take this new road over access into Rocky Ridge / Royal Oak anyday.

Acces into Tuscany (from the east) is via one of 2 routes:
1. Nose Hill Drive (60 km/h) which turns up the hill into Tuscany as Tuscany Hill. Not sure what the speed limit of that protion is, but everyone does 60 on it regardless.

2. Tuscany Blvd. This has always been 50 km/h, but up until now the road was only a few hundred metres in lenght, not several km in length. Speed limit looks like it will remain at 50 despite the road being physically seperated from 99% of the population by 12 Mile Coulee (but we must think of the children I guess :hell: ).

[korzym]

Looking north from 17th:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2911.jpg

Future South East Ring Road:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2914.jpg

Looking east towards 16th ave, from 68th
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2916.jpg

b4txcge9XZ8


McKnight overpass, looking east
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2898.jpg

Looking south towards 16th ave from Mcknight
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2869.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2889.jpg
Here's the oil well thats at fault for the major bend
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2867.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2894.jpg

Looking north from Mcknight Bridge:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2886.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2880.jpg

From McKnight, looking to the east:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2884.jpg
Looking west:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2881.jpg

Copyright Korzym


Thank you Stoney Trail Group!
What a successful P3 private-public build!

[You Need A Thneed]

^ I may be mistaken, but the reason for the curve in Stoney by McKnight is to avoid existing wetlands, not to avoid a oil/gas well.

[mersar]

^ I may be mistaken, but the reason for the curve in Stoney by McKnight is to avoid existing wetlands, not to avoid a oil/gas well.

Thats the official explanation, along with the need to have enough space from the houses to the interchange ramps. It is a bit of a chicken and egg situation really, but the gas well won't be there much longer (its one of the few remaining ones in the area) anyways.

[freeweed]

There was a bike race or something happening on the NE ring road on Saturday. We drove past on CHB and there were several guys all decked out in full racing gear, and construction guys holding the "slow/stop" signs to control traffic when they went past.

It may have just been some training or something, but with people doing traffic control it sure seemed interesting.

[You Need A Thneed]

There was a bike race or something happening on the NE ring road on Saturday. We drove past on CHB and there were several guys all decked out in full racing gear, and construction guys holding the "slow/stop" signs to control traffic when they went past.

It may have just been some training or something, but with people doing traffic control it sure seemed interesting.

Perhaps they were doing another one of these:

Calgary Cyclists First to Test Northeast Calgary Ring Road

On Saturday, June 6, 150+ cyclists will participate in Race the Ring 30-km Time Trial, hosted by Speed Theory Cycling and sponsored by the Stoney Trail Constructors, a joint venture led by Flatiron Constructors with Parsons and Graham Construction and Engineering, selected to design and build the Northeast Stoney Trail.

The 30 km individual time trial takes place on a newly paved, paired highway that is NOT open to motorists until late fall of 2009. The time trial course goes for one loop straight down one side of the four-lane highway and back again. Stoney Trail Constructors worked extra hard to make sure that this section of highway was paved prior to the race.

Project Manager of the Northeast Stoney Trail Ring Road Lorie Holte said, “We are happy to provide this section of highway to the cycling community, and to give Calgarians the chance to get a sneak peek at the new ring road. As a cyclist myself, I know that you may only get one or two chances in a lifetime to race on a newly paved highway that has never before been driven on.”

A time trial is a road bike race where individual cyclists leave the start ramp one minute apart and race against the clock and each other. It is considered one of the most important events in the Tour de France and is considered to be the ‘Race of Truth’, as there is no draft from surrounding teammates.

Race Director Trevor Williams said that a Time Trial is, “super spectator friendly and invites the community to come out and cheer on the racers and take a rare opportunity to get onsite to walk right down the median of the new roadway.” Racers and attendees will be able to purchase BBQ-type food and drinks, and Williams recommended that people bring sunscreen, chairs and snacks for kids.

Spectator and participant parking is available on the on and off exit ramps from Stoney Trail to Country Hills Boulevard, only. Parking officials will be onsite to direct and assist arriving vehicles.

Athletes do not require an Alberta Bicycle Licence to participate, but they must register before Friday, June 5 at noon. Cost of the event will be $30 and that includes a day licence.

The success of this event will lead to Alberta cyclists getting the opportunity to battle out the Provincial Individual Time Trial and the Provincial Team Time Trial championships over a longer route on the same exciting course on August 22.

For more info, please visit www.speedtheory.com or www.stoneytrailgroup.ca.

WHAT: Race the Ring 30 km Time Trial
“Highways Used the Way God intended”

WHEN: Saturday, June 6 starting at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Newly paved highway located east of Deerfoot Trail NE on Stoney Trail NE, from Country Hills Boulevard NE to McKnight Trail NE.


Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trevor Williams
Race Director
Speed Theory Cycling
Cell: 403-831-8738
Email: willit@ucalgary.ca

[mersar]

Yep, Stoney Trail Group opened the roadway up for the full weekend for one of the local cycle clubs to use. They did 3 events utilizing pretty much the entire NE. This was actually the second race they've given permission to use the roadway for this year.

[freeweed]

FINALLY, some sections of steel have arrived for the pedestrian bridge between Arbour Lake and Royal Oak. Now to see how many more months they can stretch out the 60 zone while they install one beam per week.

[YYCguys]

^ :haha: :irked:

[mersar]

FINALLY, some sections of steel have arrived for the pedestrian bridge between Arbour Lake and Royal Oak. Now to see how many more months they can stretch out the 60 zone while they install one beam per week.

Good to hear.

And on a tangent, I love how the contractor who is doing the 12 Mile Coulee/Crowchild interchange works compared to AECON on the ped bridge. Each night they've flipped the 50km zone signs over when they finish work :P

[Stang]

And on a tangent, I love how the contractor who is doing the 12 Mile Coulee/Crowchild interchange works compared to AECON on the ped bridge. Each night they've flipped the 50km zone signs over when they finish work :P

That should be a requirement of all construction zones when workers aren't present, unless there's something unsafe about the configuration of the road.

I got nabbed last night on Beddington Trail where it goes over Country Hills. Not a worker in sight, wide open road with lines painted and everything. 9:00 PM. Going 65 in a ridiculously slow 50 zone.

I'm not blaming anyone but myself - I saw the signs. But I certainly don't feel that guilty feeling that might correct my law breaking ways. ;) Truthfully, however, tickets are a rarity for me. I'll fork over my $103 (could've been more) and chalk it up as a tax collection rather than a safety measure.

I just wish I saw the same level of enforcement when workers are actually present.

SSP confessional complete. Forgive me SSP for I have sinned. :whip:

[freeweed]

Stang: tell me about it. Having lived exclusively in construction zones in my 5 years in Calgary, I'm amazed I don't get more tickets, what with the on-again, off-again nature of the signage. Stoney alone has seen more speed zone changes in the past 3 years than I can count.

The only actual time I've been pulled over in my life was in a construction zone on Stoney, on a Sunday with no workers present. The cop sure nailed me quick though (my own fault, I just completely ignored the sign). He gave me a break (normally fines double in construction zones) because I was coming back from skiing and he's a ski buff. The guy almost seemed apologetic to be writing me a ticket as I wasn't exactly blasting my way through, I just didn't slow down fast enough and he was positioned 100' from the 60 sign. Yet when workers are present it's very rare to see a speed trap.

The section of Crowchild immediately west of Crowfoot station has a cop for a few hours just about every day now, aimed in one direction or the other.

[YYCguys]

^Where enforcement is really needed is on Deerfoot at Stoney Trail. People believe that they can set whatever speed limit they want for themselves and I've NEVER seen cops there, in the entire time that area has been under construction. I actually got honked at the other day as I was passing under one of the Stoney bridges in the far right lane, probably cuz I was going too slow for him (I was going the posted speed limit-80 km/hr-cuz there's no way I'm going to get a double fine for speeding there...I can't afford it!)

[mersar]

Posted this over in the transit thread, but I'll post it here as well. This is for the Stoney @ Crowchild work for the rest of the interchange.

I just checked the bid list for the remaining bridges, pretty much all the usual bidders, being PCL, Graham, and Flatiron, and a few others such as Carmacks, South Rock and Caliber Systems. Bids were between $41 and $46M, so all fairly close. Doesn't show it having been awarded yet though, it closed on the 7th of August

[freeweed]

^Where enforcement is really needed is on Deerfoot at Stoney Trail. People believe that they can set whatever speed limit they want for themselves and I've NEVER seen cops there, in the entire time that area has been under construction. I actually got honked at the other day as I was passing under one of the Stoney bridges in the far right lane, probably cuz I was going too slow for him (I was going the posted speed limit-80 km/hr-cuz there's no way I'm going to get a double fine for speeding there...I can't afford it!)

Agreed. I've never once seen traffic doing the speed limit there.

Edit: Hey, post #5000. Maybe I should find a hobby.

[You Need A Thneed]

^I've often seen traffic slowing down to 85-90 there through that construction zone. I've also seen the cops there at least once.

[Mazrim]

Hi guys, I just wanted to say thanks for posting all these updates and especially the pictures. Even though I work on the ring road (the NE specifically), I never get to go out and see it so this is really nice! I'm really looking forward to November when I can see the whole thing completed up there.

The bend in Stoney South of McKnight was a gas well thing...I had never heard anything about a wetland there! I can almost guarantee that no wetlands were spared between the carriageways, but there are rebuilt evaportranspiration ponds usually put in there afterwards.

[lubicon]

FINALLY, some sections of steel have arrived for the pedestrian bridge between Arbour Lake and Royal Oak. Now to see how many more months they can stretch out the 60 zone while they install one beam per week.

They will time it so that the new pedestrian bridge linking Tuscany and Scenic Acres will start construction just as the RRRO/Arbour lake one wraps up. That way they can jsut shift the construction zone a km or 2 south and continue the aggravation for another year or 2.:hell:

Stang: tell me about it. Having lived exclusively in construction zones in my 5 years in Calgary, I'm amazed I don't get more tickets, what with the on-again, off-again nature of the signage. Stoney alone has seen more speed zone changes in the past 3 years than I can count.

The only actual time I've been pulled over in my life was in a construction zone on Stoney, on a Sunday with no workers present. The cop sure nailed me quick though (my own fault, I just completely ignored the sign). He gave me a break (normally fines double in construction zones) because I was coming back from skiing and he's a ski buff. The guy almost seemed apologetic to be writing me a ticket as I wasn't exactly blasting my way through, I just didn't slow down fast enough and he was positioned 100' from the 60 sign. Yet when workers are present it's very rare to see a speed trap.

The section of Crowchild immediately west of Crowfoot station has a cop for a few hours just about every day now, aimed in one direction or the other.

I hear you. I've lived in Calgary for 12 years now (all of it in Tuscany) and I am not exagerating when I say it's been a road construction zone for the ENTIRE time I have been here. Crowchild, Stoney, TCH, and Bow Trail (my commuting routes) have been under continuous construction at one place or another the entire time. Sure the progress is nice but it's getting more than a little tiresome to wait.

[craner]

Good to hear.

And on a tangent, I love how the contractor who is doing the 12 Mile Coulee/Crowchild interchange works compared to AECON on the ped bridge. Each night they've flipped the 50km zone signs over when they finish work :P

:previous:
Is there actually an interchange being built at 12 Mile Coulee/Crowchild or just "intersection improvements" ??
It would be nice to get rid of another set of lights on Crowchild so I'm hoping for the interchange.:fingerscrossed: :boogy:

[lubicon]

:previous:
Is there actually an interchange being built at 12 Mile Coulee/Crowchild or just "intersection improvements" ??
It would be nice to get rid of another set of lights on Crowchild so I'm hoping for the interchange.:fingerscrossed: :boogy:

Just intersection improvements, and I use the work 'improvements' lightly. They are barely doing anything at this location and I can't see how it will handle the increases traffic volumes when Rocky Ridge Road closes next year. Maybe they expect the bulk of RR/RO traffic to use Stoney 7 Country Hills (?).

And why would they get rid of the lights? They just put them in a couple of years ago, :hell: (They should never have put them in in the first place if you ask me).

[mersar]

Yep, no interchange yet (probably ~10 years out still according to the city). The main improvements are adding additional turn lanes, so SB, EB and WB all have dual left turns and also redesigning how the lanes from the right turn lanes connect onto the road.

[korzym]

What a difference a year makes

Last June
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/lg07-08-24-1767.jpg


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2869.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2889.jpg

[lubicon]

Not sure what the reason is, but Stoney has been really backed up NB this week during the PM rush. I've come to a stop on the bridge over the Bow several times this week and it's been a couple of lights wait to get through the Nose Hill Drive intersection. Maybe it's a sign of things to come (traffic always increases when school is back in) but man, once the road opens through to Deerfoot and beyond this fall this intersection is going to be a real cluster. They need an interchagne there NOW. Too bad the Province is broke and probably doesn't have the money to do it. With the opening of the Crowchild interchange not being until 2011, they could get Nose Hill built and open it at the same time and save a lot of headaches.

[bulliver]

Not sure what the reason is, but Stoney has been really backed up NB this week during the PM rush. I've come to a stop on the bridge over the Bow several times this week and it's been a couple of lights wait to get through the Nose Hill Drive intersection. Maybe it's a sign of things to come (traffic always increases when school is back in) but man, once the road opens through to Deerfoot and beyond this fall this intersection is going to be a real cluster. They need an interchagne there NOW. Too bad the Province is broke and probably doesn't have the money to do it. With the opening of the Crowchild interchange not being until 2011, they could get Nose Hill built and open it at the same time and save a lot of headaches.

Your 'location' is fitting ... did the province learn nothing from Henday? We have three signals on Henday west, and they are causing 7km backups during peak periods. I'm not kidding, NB traffic will be backed up from Callingwood/62 Ave all the way to Terwilligar. At least 2 more years of this until interchanges are built, and that will still leave 1 signal.

Make noise while you can, get them built before Stoney opens to Deerfoot....

[AB Born]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/DSC_2889.jpg

What's with the old style "bubble" street lights? I thought flat lens street lights became the norm in Calgary years ago.

[craner]

Your 'location' is fitting ... did the province learn nothing from Henday? We have three signals on Henday west, and they are causing 7km backups during peak periods. I'm not kidding, NB traffic will be backed up from Callingwood/62 Ave all the way to Terwilligar. At least 2 more years of this until interchanges are built, and that will still leave 1 signal.

Make noise while you can, get them built before Stoney opens to Deerfoot....

Yeah no doubt. I never did understand the point of building these type of roads (201/216) and leaving stop lights on them. :koko: :hell:

What's with the old style "bubble" street lights? I thought flat lens street lights became the norm in Calgary years ago.

I think this is a Provincial thing - I noticed the same fixtures on AHD in Edmonton. I prefer the flat lens myself.

[freeweed]

No worries about interchanges, there will be enough 60kph zones for 6 year long pedestrian bridge construction projects that you'll never get up to speed anyway.

[lineman]

What's with the old style "bubble" street lights? I thought flat lens street lights became the norm in Calgary years ago.

Round glass is more ideal for wider (3 lanes plus) roadways and/or roadways with heavier traffic patterns. Flat is used where cutoff is desired (i.e. residential roads). The footcandle values between the two are very different.

[lubicon]

Traffic was backed up nearly to the TCH on Tuesday afternoon on NB Stoney during the rush. Looks like a lot of people are using Nose Hill Drive to access Tuscany now rather than the new interchange.

[MalcolmTucker]

Sounds like could be an example of Braess's paradox going on there. (if you assume the distance between the further up interchange and Nosehill Dr is zero, a 'free road')

[You Need A Thneed]

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but traffic is going over the new Country Hills Blvd interchange over NE Stoney Trail. I drove over it this afternoon on the way back from Mallzac.

[korzym]

Ring road plan praised

Provincial byelection contenders support city's idea for Glenmore Tr. and 37 St. S.W. interchange

By DAVE DORMER, SUN MEDIA

Last Updated: 6th September 2009, 3:43am

Without any apparent backup plan of its own, the provincial government should be supporting Calgary's efforts to get construction started on an interchange at Glenmore Tr. and 37 St. S.W., say two of the candidates running in the coming byelection.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier said he expects a report will be presented to council at the Sept. 14 meeting, recommending work begin on making turning easier at the busy 37 St. S.W. intersection this spring, but no decision has been made on funding from the provincial government.

The need to find a route for the southwest portion of the ring road was made even more urgent when the Tsuu T'ina First Nation voted to turn down a deal that would have seen a section run through their traditional territory, said Calgary-Glenmore Liberal candidate Avalon Roberts, and she's been hearing just that while door knocking over the last few days.

"As I understand it, the city does have a Plan B, and we haven't heard anything from the province about Plan B, which is kind of interesting when you negotiate for years and don't have a thought about what we're going to do if it doesn't work out."

Wildrose Alliance Leader Paul Hinman said the lack of a Plan B from the province is just another misstep by the ruling Conservatives.

"There's no question we failed at Plan A, so Plan B is we have to go down 37 St. and develop it and get it done."

Hinman said he would like to see the funding formula reworked so cities don't have to go to the province for every major project.

"We need to change the formula so a percentage of the personal and corporate tax that leaves a jurisdiction comes back," he said.

Conservative candidate Diane Colley-Urquhart was not available for comment.

Eric Carpendale is running for the NDP and Len Skowronski for the Social Credit.

Voters go to the polls on Sept. 14. http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/09/06/10768431-sun.html

------------------------------------------------------


City and province move ahead with southwest ring road
Ina Sidhu | Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 10:30 pm
Bookmark

The city and province are moving ahead with plan B to develop the southwest portion of the ring road.

Premier Ed Stelmach says they aren't letting negotiations that fell through with the Tsuu T'ina First Nation earlier this summer hold them back.

Stelmach says the province is committed to the ring road. He says the only difference now is the alignment is within the City of Calgary limits.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier says a portion of the planned interchange at Glenmore and 37th Street S.W. will be at the city's cost. He says the interchange will connect portions of the ring road from Highway 1 to Highway 8.

City staff are working with the province on how to fund the balance of the project that will also see a connection between Canada Olympic Park to Discovery Ridge and an upgrade of east and west Glenmore Trail.
http://www.660news.com/news/local/more.jsp?content=20090910_002554_8484

[mersar]

Work on the next phase of the Crowchild interchange will be starting in the next few days, they moved two sea-cans in over the weekend as well as put up new construction zone signage and slightly shifted a few of the 60km signs around (not by much though). There are also a couple LED signs parked by the sea cans and an asphalt grinder was also there when I went past tonight.

[lubicon]

Work on the next phase of the Crowchild interchange will be starting in the next few days, they moved two sea-cans in over the weekend as well as put up new construction zone signage and slightly shifted a few of the 60km signs around (not by much though). There are also a couple LED signs parked by the sea cans and an asphalt grinder was also there when I went past tonight.

How could they possibly add MORE construction zone signage to this area. It's saturated with signs as it is!!

[freeweed]

How could they possibly add MORE construction zone signage to this area. It's saturated with signs as it is!!

I really wish they'd just bite the bullet, and put in a full 60 zone from Nose Hill all the way up to CHB. The constant speed-up, slow-down, some days it's on, some days it's not, some areas are signed, some aren't - traffic is getting downright dangerous in the area. Some people trundle along assuming it's a construction zone while others blast by at 90 because they didn't see today's signs. I've witnessed and been part of more near-misses than I can count.

[mersar]

The signage I've noticed was mostly on Crowchild itself, since the previous contractors removed all but the speed signs when they finished up last year. So lots of orange signs really.

They've moved things around again there though, and they looked to be getting ready to start ripping up the old pavement as there were a half dozen dump trucks sitting there as well

[lubicon]

I haven't been on Crowchild for a few days, it will be interesting to see the chagnes. I did notice that the 60 km speed limit signs on WB Crowchild have been removed at Crowfoot LRT so you can cruise at 80 km for a few hundred more metres before having to slow to 60 (not that anyone does that anyhow). I wonder how long that will last.

[lubicon]

Forgot to add the the completion of Tuscany Blvd shouldn't be too far off. The 2nd roadway which will eventually carry 2 lanes of traffic into Tuscany is coming along nicely now. Road base has been gravelled and packed and the curbs were poured yesterday. Paving should start soon by the looks of it.

[mersar]

Well we now know who won the contract for Stoney @ Crowchild... they went with AECON again which makes sense since they did do the other half as well. They striped out the most of the pavement where the bridge needs to go on Wednesday, so they are moving along pretty good. I'd expect to see it excavated out fairly soon, though this one will be fun since they'll need to move all the dirt off site

[freeweed]

Along with the pavement removal, NB traffic on Stoney turning EB on Crowchild is no longer directed into a merge lane; instead they're turning at the intersection itself. Which makes for real fun for the left turning (SB) traffic with an advanced green, having cars turning right on a red right at you.

Not sure if that's temporary but if it exists for the duration of this project (2011), expect a hell of a lot of accidents in the near future.

[lubicon]

Well we now know who won the contract for Stoney @ Crowchild... they went with AECON again which makes sense since they did do the other half as well. They striped out the most of the pavement where the bridge needs to go on Wednesday, so they are moving along pretty good. I'd expect to see it excavated out fairly soon, though this one will be fun since they'll need to move all the dirt off site

Is this new work at Stoney / Crowchild the reason that NB Stoney has been so backed up the last few days? Coming home from work, traffic on NB Stoney has been backed up well south of the Tuscany interchange which I have not seen since the new interchange opened.

And speaking of Tuscany and the Tuscany interchagne:
1. the new Tuscany Blvd lanes WB into Tuscany were open this morning. It is now a 4 lane divided road into and out of Tuscany again, although they had one lane in each direction closed off to do finishing work.

2. CPS were nabbing speeders on SB Stoney just south of the Tuscany interchagne this morning. Spped limit is still 60 at this point and most people do well more than that so I'd imagine they did a brisk business. I've gotten tired of the endless 60 km business and although I don't speed too much, I generally travel at slightly more than 60 and am getting passed by a steady stream of vehicles. It did look at little odd though. There is nowhere to hide anymore as all the construction barriers etc are gone so the police were basically sitting wide open for view (right where Tuscany Blvd merges onto SB Stoney). All they had going for them is the hill crests going over the bridge and you might not see them until it is too late.

[lineman]

Just drove Southbound on the QEII and the East bridges over Stoney are now open.

[You Need A Thneed]

Just drove Southbound on the QEII and the East bridges over Stoney are now open.

Good to hear, they've looked pretty much ready for a while now.

[korzym]

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+ring+road+challenges+remain/2014763/story.html
SW Calgary ring road challenges remain

Solution sought for filling in southwest gap

By Kim Guttormson, Calgary HeraldSeptember 21, 2009 7:20 AM

CALGARY - A true "ring" road that would speed cars and trucks past Calgary around its edges--keeping vehicles off already busy city streets -- is less certain as negotiations continue over what the missing section will look like.

The city and province are now trying to reconcile different visions for the southwest section -- the holy grail of traffic relief for commuters.

A six-lane freeway whisking drivers west of the reservoir, giving them an option to Glenmore, Macleod and 14th Street, which slow to a crawl during rush hour or become a parking lot after an accident, has become a harder sell.

In June, when more than 400 members of the Tsuu T'ina Nation rejected a deal to run the road through their land, the brakes slammed on the dream of a full ring road.

While the city has moved quickly on an immediate Band-Aid to some of the traffic woes --beginning work on an interchange at 37th Street and Glenmore Trail -- the long-term solutions are likely to prove more elusive.

"There will be some challenges for sure, planning for the next phase," said Anne Cataford, the city's manager of network planning.

The ring road in the other three quadrants of the city will be huge freeways with six lanes, speeds of 110 km/h and room for expansion. The province had set aside the necessary land for years.

However, in the southwest, the city grew right to its western borders, where the Tsuu T'ina Nation begins.

For decades, the best option was a deal with the Tsuu T'ina to run the road over their land. That door has closed because, even though the Tsuu T'ina would like to reopen talks, the province has said that won't happen.

Now provincial and city engineers must figure out what the backup plan will look like.

If the province still wants a six-lane ring road and 110 km/h speeds, that will cut deeply into at least two neighbouring communities. Any road on the western edge can't go south of Glenmore or west of 37th Street because that is Tsuu T'ina land, meaning north and east are the only options.

The city is advocating for improvements to Glenmore Trail and 14th Street, as well as to roads south of the reservoir, which proponents argue will improve traffic flow for 90 per cent of drivers.

But many don't believe that will do enough to alleviate the problems.

The Tsuu T'ina are closely watching the developments happening on their borders and spokesman Morton Paulsen said they will have a response to the city's proposed interchange at 37th Street and Glenmore Trail-- near the entrance to their casino.

And, as always, money is a deciding factor: what is the province willing to pay for if there's not a ring road built to the existing standards.

"With the failure of the Tsuu T'ina deal, we're in a bit of an unusual situation," said Trent Bancarz, spokesman for Alberta Transportation.

Even the question of which decision needs to be made first --road standard or route--is up in the air.

Bancarz said they don't yet know whether the standard will be chosen first, which would determine which road options are available, or if options will be presented which will decide the size of road that can be built.

The city will be giving them options, he said.

But Cataford said the city needs the province to define what it needs for options to be developed.

"They're playing ping-pong and no one wants to take responsibility," said Dave Fryett, with the South of Fish Creek community association, who has closely watched the issue for years. "Whatever decision they make, they'll make someone unhappy.

"I think everybody in the south feels deeply let down after all these years that there's no decision on the southwest ring road."

Fryett said a new road is needed to alleviate the traffic pressures in the city's southwest, rather than just upgrades to Glenmore Trail and 14th Street, which the city seems to prefer.

"The network has to be a network of redundancy," he said, pointing out that an accident on Glenmore ties up traffic all through the southwest.

Running a larger road along 37th Street is the most talked-about option, although the mayor and area alderman point out it was never designed to be a major route.

"This is an urban area never designed for, and a right of way was never set aside for, a freeway system," Mayor Dave Bronconnier said. "The challenge is to use an urban overlay to move goods and services the most efficient way possible, and that may mean upgrading existing roads rather than building new ones."

Expanding 37th Street south of Glenmore Trail until it ends just before the reservoir is likely to require removing homes in Lakeview. How many depends on how big the road is. A full six-lane ring road would also affect Glamorgan north of Glenmore Trail. And there is also the controversial question of running the road over or under the environmentally sensitive Weaselhead.

"You cannot build a road on the west side at 110 km/h design speed, and literally rip up three communities in which to do it," Bronconnier said.

He hopes the city and provincial engineers have options ready for consideration before the end of the year.

"We can't delay forever," the mayor said.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

[Mazrim]

Quick Update on the NE Section...paving appears to be finished on all cross roads, ramps and loops. Painting is done on the Mainline and I'd say 50% finished on the cross roads, ramps and loops. Most of the signage is up, probably not much left or anything at all in that way, though they may have to do a few quick fixes on them from what I've seen. All in all looking good for November 1st.

[lubicon]

Along with the pavement removal, NB traffic on Stoney turning EB on Crowchild is no longer directed into a merge lane; instead they're turning at the intersection itself. Which makes for real fun for the left turning (SB) traffic with an advanced green, having cars turning right on a red right at you.

Not sure if that's temporary but if it exists for the duration of this project (2011), expect a hell of a lot of accidents in the near future.

I had the pleasure of doing this intersection for the first time and all I can say is whomever came up with this idea should be drawn and quartered.

The rough grade for the new NB Stoney > EB Crowchild has been more or less complete for over a year now but it still sits half finished. It would not have been that hard to finish this offramp, or at least partially finish it to facilitate turns onto EB Crowchild. The ramp appears to be far enough from the intersection that it should not interfere with construction and it would have made the turning movement way easier.

At the very least, if they are going to keep the current turn movement for any length of time they should repaint the lines and put a right turn lane on the road. As is currently stands it is unclear if you should (legally) stay in the right hand lane until you turn onto Crowchild (and therefore sit behind all the cars waiting to go straight ahead on Stoney), or use the shoulder as a lane to get up to the intersection before turning right (which is what everyone is doing anyhow).

[mersar]

They've staked out that ramp I noticed this morning, so I suspect we'll see it built soon. They also started the earth moving for the approach to the SB to EB bridge ramp

[freeweed]

Quick Update on the NE Section...paving appears to be finished on all cross roads, ramps and loops. Painting is done on the Mainline and I'd say 50% finished on the cross roads, ramps and loops. Most of the signage is up, probably not much left or anything at all in that way, though they may have to do a few quick fixes on them from what I've seen. All in all looking good for November 1st.

Agreed. I drove over on CHB on the weekend and it looks DONE (and damned impressive, I might add). The only question in my head is the Deerfoot interchange, but supposedly that's on track too.

[freeweed]

The rough grade for the new NB Stoney > EB Crowchild has been more or less complete for over a year now but it still sits half finished. It would not have been that hard to finish this offramp, or at least partially finish it to facilitate turns onto EB Crowchild. The ramp appears to be far enough from the intersection that it should not interfere with construction and it would have made the turning movement way easier.

Same thing with the ramp from WB Crowchild to NB Stoney. mersar and I have both wondered a few times about this one.

I think we're seeing the result of the continually-changing plan for the interchange.

[lubicon]

Same thing with the ramp from WB Crowchild to NB Stoney. mersar and I have both wondered a few times about this one.

I think we're seeing the result of the continually-changing plan for the interchange.

You can add me to the list of people who have wondered about that one too. It sits quite aways below the current grade of WB Crowchild so they have to come up with a plan to lower Crowchild down to that level and yet keep Crowchild WB open to traffic at the same time.

[mersar]

It actually isn't as far below as it seems, mostly since the detour alignment on Crowchild was raised so far up (which I never understood the need, considering the intersection is at the same level as the original intersection. Depending on how far to the east the ramps separate from the road is the big question, since the ramps from Crowfoot Rise are a bit higher then the main Crowchild pavement as well.

[mersar]

Well they're moving pretty good on Crowchild @ Stoney again. Nothing much on the bridge under Crowchild, but the ramp for the SB to EB bridge on the north side is starting to take shape with a number of pieces of heavy equipment going in there now

[lubicon]

Things are progressing south of Crowchild as well. NB Stoney has been a gong show all week as Stoney is reduced to 1 lane for paving between Nose Hill Drive & the Tuscany interchange. Yesterday NB traffic was backed up onto 16 Ave during the PM rush..

NB traffic has been shifted onto the new bridge at the Tuscany interchange and the offramp onto Tuscany Blvd is now being repaved (but is open). I suppose we can celebrate the removal of 1 traffic light on Stoney.:cool:

[mersar]

Yep, I went through there last night and not having that traffic light was nice.

They've started digging up the NB to EB ramp to put a few culverts under it, and they've also started to strip all the topsoil and grass along Crowchild so I'm going to say that we should consider the ramp construction to be underway.

The new SB to EB ramp is also proceeding quickly, the new approachway on the north side of Crowchild is probably 1/3 the height it needs to be. They've been mostly borrowing material from just east of the ramp, so lets just hope we don't get a torrential downpour or they'll have a second huge lake there.

[shevallo]

Why did they not start the two new overpasses at Crowchild in the spring? It is so painful every morning and after work sitting in traffic at the current detour. It's even more painful when you see no work happening at all and when you know the completion date is two years away.

[mersar]

The new bridges are a different contract. And the province delayed putting it out for tender until mid summer, partially this was due to the hold ups caused by the delays on deciding when/if to close Rocky Ridge Road as the city and province bundled all the work up into 2 parts (one being the LRT bridge that spans over Stoney, the other being everything else) just they don't end up with 3 or 4 contractors all working on adjacent projects tripping over each other