[korzym]

:previous: So I still have 2 years till I can visit my friends in Strathmore without taking the really slow way.

Oh, and there's no apostrophe in "winters". Funny that someone would type one there, but not for the other pluralizations (even in the same sentence).

/spelling nazi mode off

I haphazardly stumbled upon a city link about 68th and 16th...apparently its been up since July, there was even an open house on the matter

http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_776_217_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Transportation/Transportation+Planning/Studies/16+Avenue+68+Street+NE+Interchange/Future+16+Avenue+68+Street+NE+Interchange.htm

and looks like we have an official pdf on 68th and 16th here:
http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/trans_planning/studies/16_avenue_68_st_interchange/open_house_june.pdf

quick facts:
Cost $60 million, plan a, city council approved..in 1978....no access what so ever going to stoney off 68th, and no access from stoney to 68th..
plan b: $100 M
plan c: $180 M....best design imo, too bad its most costly
-according to pdf, at this time city should be reviewing info session feedback..
-city and province working together..

[You Need A Thneed]

I haphazardly stumbled upon a city link about 68th and 16th...apparently its been up since July, there was even an open house on the matter

http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_776_217_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Transportation/Transportation+Planning/Studies/16+Avenue+68+Street+NE+Interchange/Future+16+Avenue+68+Street+NE+Interchange.htm

and looks like we have an official pdf on 68th and 16th here:
http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/trans_planning/studies/16_avenue_68_st_interchange/open_house_june.pdf

quick facts:
Cost $60 million, plan a, city council approved..in 1978....no access what so ever going to stoney off 68th, and no access from stoney to 68th..
plan b: $100 M
plan c: $180 M....best design imo, too bad its most costly
-according to pdf, at this time city should be reviewing info session feedback..
-city and province working together..

Yeah, it was posted a while back. not a whole lot of discussion though. Again, I'm not sure how there's a 40 million dollar difference between plan a and plan b, it basically just two tiny one lane bridges added.

My preference would be that they do plan b.

[korzym]

Concrete Support
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/Support.jpg

Digging for Culvert
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/Digging_for_culvert.jpg

Aerial of Stoney Tr NE & Mcknight, looking south
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/ArialView.jpg

Cranes and Girders [possibly part of 16th Ave overpass]
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/CranesandGirders.jpg

Aerial of Stoney Tr NE & 16th Ave, looking south
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/Arial_View_North.jpg

Aerial looking north taken from just south of Mcknight interchange
http://www.stoneytrailgroup.ca/media/Arial_View_North2.jpg

courtesy of: stoneytrailgroup.ca

[korzym]

I was looking at this picture and noticed preparation for the flyover from north bound stoney towards west bound 16th. The area circled blue is where the planned underpass will be for that ramp, but notice the area circled green has a mound of dirt to support that over pass going over 16th also for the ramp.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/Arial_View_North1.png

Now looking at the map, this ramp is planned to be built by 2017 or sooner as 16th and 68th doesn't have an interchange [full plans here http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/Board1.pdf ]. The orange overpass on this map according to stoney trail can't be built until there's an interchange built at 16th and 68th for free flow safety concerns. So what I'm alluding to, is whether there's an imminent announcement about building an overpass at 16th and 68th?

I can understand the reason why the underpass at the blue circle is being built, it would cause congestion later on and design wise it just makes sense to build it now. But they said they won't build that westbound turnoff thats orange on the map until the 16th & 68th interchange is built, yet their currently building it. City Hall starts meeting next month, maybe not at the next meeting but a little bit down the road in the not too distant future they'll announce plans to have the 16th & 68th interchange built by the time stoney trail ne is finished?
They may just be building the complex areas and won't open that ramp but it counters what their plans are that they emailed me [available on the previous thread page].
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/korzym/16map.png

finally on an irrelevant matter, wtf is the area circled in orange for? Seems like its built up for some kind of bridge even though nothings planned for that area.

[mersar]

Hmm, the more I look at it the more it doesn't make sense. The spot on the picture in blue is too far south to be the underpass, but too far north to be 16th itself unless they've changed the plans since the maps I have were released.

I do believe that the 16th @ 68th interchange is going to end up on the books next year, they had an open house of sorts for it this past June.

[korzym]

.

[You Need A Thneed]

I'm pretty sure 16th/68th will go ahead together with the SE ring road, which many of us here think will happen just after the NE is done, or while it's still going. They pretty much have to build 16th/68th when the ring road is extended south.

As for what's going on in that orange area circled, my guess is that they've just left an area open for ease of construction vehicle movement... unless there is some kind of interconnection between the two storm ponds on either side, and they have yet to put in the piping or something. I can't think of anything else that would go in that area.

[freeweed]

Holy crap, we might actually see this Ring Road before I die:

They're paving the new parts of Stoney as I write this. Just north/east of Country Hills.

After watching some of this prep work last 12-18 months, I was seriously starting to wonder.

[lubicon]

Holy crap, we might actually see this Ring Road before I die:

They're paving the new parts of Stoney as I write this. Just north/east of Country Hills.

After watching some of this prep work last 12-18 months, I was seriously starting to wonder.

Me too. There has not been much visible progress this summer it seems. Now if they would just provide a project update on the website.... twice a year updates is not asking too much is it??

[mersar]

I think a lot of this summer's progress was related to bridge work, the paving will take virtually no time to complete in comparison. The Country Hills bridge is probably about 80% done now, Shaganappi is done, Deerfoot Northbound is probably about 90% done from what I've heard, the CP bridge is complete, Sarcee is at least started and Crowchild is probably about 60%. I haven't been up near the Beddington bridge recently, but there were road closures/land reductions recently so I assume that something is at least happening.

I was looking at the work thats going on at Crowchild this morning, and it appears that whatever the province decided that they've haven't announced about the review for Rocky Ridge is that the intersection must go. The offramp from eastbound Crowchild to Southbound Stoney looks like it begins to the west of the existing Rocky Ridge intersection. And Mount Stoney is starting to disappear as well now, they've cut a good amount off the SW of the pile.

[freeweed]

I was looking at the work thats going on at Crowchild this morning, and it appears that whatever the province decided that they've haven't announced about the review for Rocky Ridge is that the intersection must go. The offramp from eastbound Crowchild to Southbound Stoney looks like it begins to the west of the existing Rocky Ridge intersection. And Mount Stoney is starting to disappear as well now, they've cut a good amount off the SW of the pile.

This sure promises to be "interesting". The increase in traffic volume at the Country Hills/Royal Birch Blvd intersection in the past 12 months has been staggering. With the flurry of new condos still to come, and the rest of the neighbourhood filling up, it will soon be bumper-to-bumper coming in or going out of Royal Oak during the day. When the city closes Rocky Ridge Rd off, it's going to be a nightmare.

This may be the most poorly designed entrance to a neighbourhood I've ever seen. Tuscany is a close second, mind you.

Oh, and I thought we were calling it Tuscany Mountain. :haha: (Hint: "Mount" only comes first when it's named after a person)

[mersar]

This sure promises to be "interesting". The increase in traffic volume at the Country Hills/Royal Birch Blvd intersection in the past 12 months has been staggering. With the flurry of new condos still to come, and the rest of the neighbourhood filling up, it will soon be bumper-to-bumper coming in or going out of Royal Oak during the day. When the city closes Rocky Ridge Rd off, it's going to be a nightmare.

Especially if they close it before they finish building Country Hills through to 12 Mile Coulee. I suspect that the Country Hills/Stoney interchange may need to be bumped up on the list of which needs to be built to its final configuration sooner than later

[lubicon]

Especially if they close it before they finish building Country Hills through to 12 Mile Coulee. I suspect that the Country Hills/Stoney interchange may need to be bumped up on the list of which needs to be built to its final configuration sooner than later

I still think the Crowchild / Stoney interchange is #1 on the lsit, especially now that the LRT is coming through as well. Country Hills might be next although I think Nose Hill Drive should be a priority.

[The Chemist]

I still think the Crowchild / Stoney interchange is #1 on the lsit, especially now that the LRT is coming through as well. Country Hills might be next although I think Nose Hill Drive should be a priority.

I agree. The Nose Hill/Stoney interchange should definitely be added ASAP.

[mersar]

I still think the Crowchild / Stoney interchange is #1 on the lsit, especially now that the LRT is coming through as well. Country Hills might be next although I think Nose Hill Drive should be a priority.

Agreed. Building Crowchild, and then Country Hills out is what I would hope is done, and start at least planning on the Nosehill one. It's needed, but unfortunately I don't think we'll see it for a bit.

[jcornell]

Drove by the Beddington bridge the afternoon and they had 5 of the pillers in the middle i think thats all thats going it.
I drove by were the harvest hill bridge is going and i hate to say this but there had the concert forms for lights there 3 on each side and 1 on each side frather back on stoney. It dosnt look good.

[mersar]

The lights at Harvest Hills were expected, the official plan as we know it doesn't involve a light-free 'freeway' for a few years yet, unfortunately. In terms of work at Harvest hills, is there any sign of concrete work, or just earth moving? The plans that AB Transportation has up indicates that that will be a full intersection with no bridge at all for the time being.

[MalcolmTucker]

Agreed. Building Crowchild, and then Country Hills out is what I would hope is done, and start at least planning on the Nosehill one. It's needed, but unfortunately I don't think we'll see it for a bit.

All of these except Nosehill are To Be Completed by the project end date (2009 they say)

Crowchild (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stcrow-gp.htm) - Fall 2008
Country Hills (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stchb-gp.htm) - Fall 2008
Scenic Acres/Tuscany (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stscenic-gp.htm) - Fall 2009

As for Nosehill Drive, I could seriously see it being swithced to a Right in, Right Off Access on both the west and east sides of Stoney. This would turn NW Stoney into a true freeway on the cheap.

I am very interested on access plans for Rocky Ridge, especially since the LRT is going to only complicate things. I think ultimately Rocky Ridge might be up the creek on this one. I forsee a greater use of 12 Mile Coulee Road in the futre. the Rocky Ridge ASP (http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/planning/pdf/rocky_ridge_asp/rocky_ridge_asp.pdf) calls the access of Rocky Ridge Road to Crowchild a "temporary access"

As for ultimate build out (with roads on the brown lines, not just the yellow lines (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stm_tc-ch-m1.pdf)) I am going to be unusually pessimistic/optimistic (depending on your point of view). I think the city will implement smart growth principles enough to be able to cause the projected demand for the full build out to not occur. I also think Alberta's next government will chart a path away from roads once the initial builds of the 201 and 216 are done.

[craner]

All of these except Nosehill are To Be Completed by the project end date (2009 they say)

Crowchild (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stcrow-gp.htm) - Fall 2008
Country Hills (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stchb-gp.htm) - Fall 2008
Scenic Acres/Tuscany (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stscenic-gp.htm) - Fall 2009

As for Nosehill Drive, I could seriously see it being swithced to a Right in, Right Off Access on both the west and east sides of Stoney. This would turn NW Stoney into a true freeway on the cheap.

I am very interested on access plans for Rocky Ridge, especially since the LRT is going to only complicate things. I think ultimately Rocky Ridge might be up the creek on this one. I forsee a greater use of 12 Mile Coulee Road in the futre. the Rocky Ridge ASP (http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/planning/pdf/rocky_ridge_asp/rocky_ridge_asp.pdf) calls the access of Rocky Ridge Road to Crowchild a "temporary access"

As for ultimate build out (with roads on the brown lines, not just the yellow lines (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stm_tc-ch-m1.pdf)) I am going to be unusually pessimistic/optimistic (depending on your point of view). I think the city will implement smart growth principles enough to be able to cause the projected demand for the full build out to not occur. I also think Alberta's next government will chart a path away from roads once the initial builds of the 201 and 216 are done.

Why ??:shrug:

[SubwayRev]

Stoney Trail/Shaganappi Trail
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/therevbw/StoneyShaganappi11172007.jpg
Stoney Trail/Harvest Hills Blvd.
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/therevbw/EastonStoneyHarvestHills11172007.jpg
Stoney Trail/Sarcee Trail
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/therevbw/StoneySarcee11172007.jpg
Stoney Trail/Beddington Trail
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/therevbw/StoneyBeddington11172007.jpg

[Innersoul1]

Wow Very impressive! looks like they just need to get some final grading and paving in there! Nice shots! Thanks for taking those.

[freeweed]

It's funny how it looks like everything's just gonna come together nicely sometime towards the end of next year. From watching the positively glacial progress on Stoney/Country Hills, you'd think this was a 5 year project. What's weirder is there have been crews out working on that overpass 7 days a week, often at night too. For over 2 years now. The rest are moving damned fast by comparison, almost like playing catch-up.

Ah well, I for one can't WAIT to take a drive on Deerfoot West! :D

Semi-related, is the city doing some lane expansion on John Laurie? There was a heck of a lot of activity just east of Shaganappi today, on the south side. Speaking of intersections that desperately need an interchange...

[mersar]

On John Laurie not that I know of. I do know that they are working on Shaganappi at Country Hills, the intersection is being redone completely as they are widening Shaganappi to 5 lanes (3S, 2N), and Country Hills to 6. They are also doing similar work at Beddington, though that one will feature a full interchange (and should be starting on that soon, the detour road was supposed to be ready end of this month)

[The_Bachelor]

The detour intersection at beddington and country hills blvd opened last week. The temp intersection is about 100m to the west, they knocked that out pretty fast.

[lubicon]

OK people, listen up. For the love of God, why on earth do people insist on driving 50km/h in the left lane of Stoney Trail just because a skiff of snow fell overhight!!! If you are going to drive like that move the hell over into the right lane and quit holding up the other few hundred vehicles that are stacked up behind you. The road was bare and wet this morning (not slippery at all) yet a few morons insisted on driving 20-30 under the speed limit because they were too scared to go faster and too stupid to move over.

And no, I didn't want to fly past them at 100 either, I just wanted to move along at a decent yet safe speed.

[freeweed]

OK people, listen up. For the love of God, why on earth do people insist on driving 50km/h in the left lane of Stoney Trail just because a skiff of snow fell overhight!!! If you are going to drive like that move the hell over into the right lane and quit holding up the other few hundred vehicles that are stacked up behind you. The road was bare and wet this morning (not slippery at all) yet a few morons insisted on driving 20-30 under the speed limit because they were too scared to go faster and too stupid to move over.

And no, I didn't want to fly past them at 100 either, I just wanted to move along at a decent yet safe speed.

Not sure what part of Stoney you were on, but north of Crowchild it's a very poorly-signed construction zone. South of that, I'm with you. As of this morning the roads were fine.

Those of us out driving on the skating rink last night, mind you, might be remembering a little different and being extra cautious. Hooray for hills!

[Beltliner]

Not sure what part of Stoney you were on, but north of Crowchild it's a very poorly-signed construction zone. South of that, I'm with you. As of this morning the roads were fine.

Those of us out driving on the skating rink last night, mind you, might be remembering a little different and being extra cautious. Hooray for hills!

Well, of course, given that even on a clear day driving with my wife is like hearing the extended remix of The Rodeo Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSM4pL7gPyk), I count myself lucky that she was on the road solo last night.... :D

[lubicon]

Not sure what part of Stoney you were on, but north of Crowchild it's a very poorly-signed construction zone. South of that, I'm with you. As of this morning the roads were fine.

South of Crowchild, and heading southbound towards the #1.

[Surrealplaces]

Nice shots guys.

I feel rather dumb after looking at those. I thought the northeast portion of the ring road was going to meet up with hwy 1 around the Chestermere area. I didn't know it was going right past the eastern edge of the city.

[freeweed]

Ah, the bizarreness of Calgary.

Saw a sign yesterday: public information meeting on the Stoney Trail pedestrian overpass.

Near as I can tell, there's a plan to build a pedestrian overpass that crosses Stoney north of Crowchild, between Royal Oak and Arbour Lake. I've seen this sort of thing before (across Sarcee, for instance), and always think "hey, a bridge to nowhere!". :haha:

I guess this is an attempt to link suburban communities. I just never actually see anyone using them, because, well, it's just a way to walk from one random suburban street to another.

[SubwayRev]

Ah, the bizarreness of Calgary.

Saw a sign yesterday: public information meeting on the Stoney Trail pedestrian overpass.

Near as I can tell, there's a plan to build a pedestrian overpass that crosses Stoney north of Crowchild, between Royal Oak and Arbour Lake. I've seen this sort of thing before (across Sarcee, for instance), and always think "hey, a bridge to nowhere!". :haha:

I guess this is an attempt to link suburban communities. I just never actually see anyone using them, because, well, it's just a way to walk from one random suburban street to another.

I couldn't agree more!

I drive under the pedestrian overpass on Sarcee between 17 Ave. and Richmond Road almost everyday, and I don't think I've ever seen anybody walking across it. Why provide a pass to link two communities where everybody drives? :shrug:

[You Need A Thneed]

I couldn't agree more!

I drive under the pedestrian overpass on Sarcee between 17 Ave. and Richmond Road almost everyday, and I don't think I've ever seen anybody walking across it. Why provide a pass to link two communities where everybody drives? :shrug:

The pedestrian overpass that always gets me is the one over 16th Ave at 19th Street NE. It's easier just to walk across the crosswalk at the intersection. I've never seen someone going over that one.

[lubicon]

Ah, the bizarreness of Calgary.

Saw a sign yesterday: public information meeting on the Stoney Trail pedestrian overpass.

Near as I can tell, there's a plan to build a pedestrian overpass that crosses Stoney north of Crowchild, between Royal Oak and Arbour Lake. I've seen this sort of thing before (across Sarcee, for instance), and always think "hey, a bridge to nowhere!". :haha:

I guess this is an attempt to link suburban communities. I just never actually see anyone using them, because, well, it's just a way to walk from one random suburban street to another.

There is a sign on Tuscany Blvd regarding the same thing. I assumed it was for a bridge to connect Tuscany to Scenic Acres. maybe they are building more than one.

[mersar]

The plan called for links between Royal Oak and Arbour lake, and Tuscany and Scenic Acres (though this one I thought would have been integrated into the interchange). The Rocky Ridge to Tuscany one is counted in the LRT station.

[Surrealplaces]

The pedestrian overpass that always gets me is the one over 16th Ave at 19th Street NE. It's easier just to walk across the crosswalk at the intersection. I've never seen someone going over that one.

It is a dumb setup. I go past there all the time, and there are always people crossing at the lights.

[Beltliner]

Ah, the bizarreness of Calgary.

Saw a sign yesterday: public information meeting on the Stoney Trail pedestrian overpass.

Near as I can tell, there's a plan to build a pedestrian overpass that crosses Stoney north of Crowchild, between Royal Oak and Arbour Lake. I've seen this sort of thing before (across Sarcee, for instance), and always think "hey, a bridge to nowhere!". :haha:

I guess this is an attempt to link suburban communities. I just never actually see anyone using them, because, well, it's just a way to walk from one random suburban street to another.

I think it's just a matter of the people at Roads saying, "We're contractually obliged to provide so many pedestrian crossings per motorway mile, but we're not obliged to make them particularly nice or useful".

[mersar]

This one is actually coming from the Rocky Ridge ASP, it defined an inter-community pathway network that would create a circular loop from Arbour Lake, Royal Oak, Rocky Ridge, Tuscany and Scenic Acres. It also defined a busway that would link Arbour Lake to Royal Oak, I suspect that we may hear them resurrecting that after the interchanges are done, especially with the LRT station going in at Tuscany.

[Deepstar]

This one is actually coming from the Rocky Ridge ASP, it defined an inter-community pathway network that would create a circular loop from Arbour Lake, Royal Oak, Rocky Ridge, Tuscany and Scenic Acres. It also defined a busway that would link Arbour Lake to Royal Oak, I suspect that we may hear them resurrecting that after the interchanges are done, especially with the LRT station going in at Tuscany.

If the overpass is for a bike path, then it may actually be useful, but for pedestrians I can't see it being used at all. As Freeweed said, it's out in the middle of nowhere.

[korzym]

Stoney Trail & Deerfoot overpass to see more intense work..
Northbound Deerfoot to have lane closures

calgary.ctv.ca

jsh

POSTED AT 10:58 AM Tuesday, December 4
Commuters won’t be happy taking Deerfoot Trail home this week as one northbound lane will be closed for construction detours.

The right-hand lane of northbound Deerfoot Trail will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday between Country Hills Boulevard and Highway 566 otherwise known as the Balzac interchange.

The closure is in effect between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.

Speed will also be reduced to 80 kilometres per hour through the closure area.

Officials say the closure will accommodate construction of detour lanes, which are part of the Deerfoot Trail-Stoney Trail interchange project.

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/RTGAMArticleHTMLTemplate/B/20071204/deerfoottues?brand=generic&hub=&tf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.html&cf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.cfg&slug=deerfoottues&date=20071204&archive=CFCNPlus&ad_page_name=&nav=home&subnav=fullstory&site_cfcn=http://calgary.ctv.ca

[mersar]

And I wonder if anyone actually reads the releases the province puts out before writing stories like this... it is scheduled to be back opened at 3pm, and is closed only during the slower traffic part of the day, so should have little effect on rush hour. If they keep the 80 zone after the lane is reopened (quite likely) it would have some affect, but not that much. Either way, its good to see they are pushing ahead with that interchange even in this weather.

[freeweed]

2 things:

So work is suddenly being done on Stoney between Tuscany and Scenic Acres. I assume prep work for starting the interchange construction next spring. Right now they're just scraping dirt around like has been done for 2+ years in that vicinity.

Also, the new bridges for Crowchild that will pass over Stoney... um, where the hell does the train go? One run of track on each bridge, right next to traffic? Isn't there normally a train-dedicated bridge in the middle? I realize the RR/Tuscany station wasn't approved when this bridge was built, but christ - you'd think the city would have some foresight here. Unless they build another bridge FAST, Stoney is going to have to be slow for months longer than necessary as they build something for the train. Or the whole project gets delayed AGAIN. Or am I missing something huge here...

[You Need A Thneed]

2 things:

So work is suddenly being done on Stoney between Tuscany and Scenic Acres. I assume prep work for starting the interchange construction next spring. Right now they're just scraping dirt around like has been done for 2+ years in that vicinity.

Also, the new bridges for Crowchild that will pass over Stoney... um, where the hell does the train go? One run of track on each bridge, right next to traffic? Isn't there normally a train-dedicated bridge in the middle? I realize the RR/Tuscany station wasn't approved when this bridge was built, but christ - you'd think the city would have some foresight here. Unless they build another bridge FAST, Stoney is going to have to be slow for months longer than necessary as they build something for the train. Or the whole project gets delayed AGAIN. Or am I missing something huge here...

I imagine they will build another bridge inbetween the other two. They will probobly have to do a little bit of a lane closure on Stoney, maybe they can get by with just narrowing the lanes a bit. The bigger closure will be on Crowchild, where they will have to build a detour road on each side of the currently being built bridges to build the other bridges.

[Koolfire]

2 things:

So work is suddenly being done on Stoney between Tuscany and Scenic Acres. I assume prep work for starting the interchange construction next spring. Right now they're just scraping dirt around like has been done for 2+ years in that vicinity.

Also, the new bridges for Crowchild that will pass over Stoney... um, where the hell does the train go? One run of track on each bridge, right next to traffic? Isn't there normally a train-dedicated bridge in the middle? I realize the RR/Tuscany station wasn't approved when this bridge was built, but christ - you'd think the city would have some foresight here. Unless they build another bridge FAST, Stoney is going to have to be slow for months longer than necessary as they build something for the train. Or the whole project gets delayed AGAIN. Or am I missing something huge here...

If I had to guess, they probably put another pillar in the middle and join the two bridges into one bigger one.

[mersar]

I imagine they will build another bridge inbetween the other two. They will probobly have to do a little bit of a lane closure on Stoney, maybe they can get by with just narrowing the lanes a bit. The bigger closure will be on Crowchild, where they will have to build a detour road on each side of the currently being built bridges to build the other bridges.

Correct, it will be a bridge down the middle. The bridge was designed for the LRT to be run down the middle in the future without too much trouble, the median between the two bridges is probably in excess of 20 meters, and two parallel tracks only require roughly 12m (the bridge would likely be similar in style to the bridge leading from downtown to Bridgeland, which isn't that wide, probably a bit more the the 12m but not by much)

I don't think there would be any need for any detour roads being built to accommodate the LRT being done though, probably not even much closure of Stoney (there are 4 equal sized spaces between the piers, and only 2 of them will really be used, from what I recall the two inner ones for the main lanes of Stoney. The outer spaces will have the ramps, which would be probably only a single lane each. So they may need to close 1 lane on each direction of the main lanes of traffic while they are working on that middle pier, but thats probably it.

[lubicon]

From Alberta Transportation's website:

December 12, 2007
Transfer to new bridges closes lanes on Calgary's Deerfoot Trail

Calgary... Motorists are advised that northbound Deerfoot Trail near the Stoney Trail interchange site will be reduced to one lane to accommodate transferring traffic to the new northbound bridges.
Lane reductions start at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13 and traffic should be back to the normal three lanes by 3 p.m. the same day. The reductions accommodate transferring traffic and related work from the existing Deerfoot Trail roadway to the new northbound bridges over Stoney Trail. Speed also will be reduced to 50 km/h during the lane closures.

Motorists are also advised that northbound Deerfoot Trail in the same area will be reduced to two lanes on Dec. 15 and 16 to accommodate additional work on this project. The speed limit in this construction zone is posted at 80 km/h.

Motorists should use caution in the area and obey all signs and flag people. Motorists are reminded that fines for speeding are doubled through construction zones when workers are present.

[You Need A Thneed]

Correct, it will be a bridge down the middle. The bridge was designed for the LRT to be run down the middle in the future without too much trouble, the median between the two bridges is probably in excess of 20 meters, and two parallel tracks only require roughly 12m (the bridge would likely be similar in style to the bridge leading from downtown to Bridgeland, which isn't that wide, probably a bit more the the 12m but not by much)

I don't think there would be any need for any detour roads being built to accommodate the LRT being done though, probably not even much closure of Stoney (there are 4 equal sized spaces between the piers, and only 2 of them will really be used, from what I recall the two inner ones for the main lanes of Stoney. The outer spaces will have the ramps, which would be probably only a single lane each. So they may need to close 1 lane on each direction of the main lanes of traffic while they are working on that middle pier, but thats probably it.
Yes, I was talking about detour road on crowchild trail, not Stoney. And then only if they want to build the interechange to the ultimate stage with no lights (which we all are in agreement that it needs when the LRT goes through the intersection as well)

[mersar]

Yes, I was talking about detour road on crowchild trail, not Stoney. And then only if they want to build the interechange to the ultimate stage with no lights (which we all are in agreement that it needs when the LRT goes through the intersection as well)

I'm not quite seeing where you think a detour on Crowchild would be needed, as both of the 2 ramps that would need to be built would likely be elevated over Crowchild, and if they can build the 16th ave/stoney bridge without closing the existing lanes I don't think a single ramp would be a problem.

Can you elaborate?

[tdurden5573]

Last summer I used Stony ring road to get from Royal Oak NW to the Airport, i was amazed how fast I could get there, mind you it wasnt paved....but when you're riding a street legal dirt bike you dont need asfault!

[lubicon]

Yes, I was talking about detour road on crowchild trail, not Stoney. And then only if they want to build the interechange to the ultimate stage with no lights (which we all are in agreement that it needs when the LRT goes through the intersection as well)

While we are all in agreement about the need for an interchange build to ultimate standards now that the LRT is also part of the equation, who would pay for it? The province obviously chose not to build the interchange fully out right away and probably does not have it in the budget any time soon. It was the City that decided to extend the LRT across Stoney which may be forcing the issue now. Is is right for the City to expect the province to come up with the extra money due to a decision that the province was not part of??

For those of us living in Calgary it is a moot point as we (as taxpayers) will pay either way, but I think it is an interesting question.

[korzym]

Check GOOGLE EARTH, they've made massive updates. Seems like they took the pics sometime in May. It's very impressive to see what's been done so far, the photo updates just don't come close to google earth in terms of giving you an idea of the magnitude of this project

alberta infrastructure made some minor updates:
Stoney & 16th ave NW
http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/sttrans-u9.pdf
http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/images/sttrans-p13.jpg
http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/images/sttrans-p14.jpg

[freeweed]

Check GOOGLE EARTH, they've made massive updates. Seems like they took the pics sometime in May. It's very impressive to see what's been done so far, the photo updates just don't come close to google earth in terms of giving you an idea of the magnitude of this project

WHOA. Thanks for the scoop, this must have just happened today. None of my usual GE info sites have even mentioned a data update yet. Finally, my house is visible!

You really get a feel for the size of this ring road project now.

You're bang on about the May date. Not sure if you were just guessing based on construction progress or if you actually checked the Digital Globe layers. ;)

Edit: nm. Just saw your post in the main construction thread. You have a good sense of timing. :tup:

[craner]

Check GOOGLE EARTH, they've made massive updates. Seems like they took the pics sometime in May. It's very impressive to see what's been done so far, the photo updates just don't come close to google earth in terms of giving you an idea of the magnitude of this project

alberta infrastructure made some minor updates:

Thanks korzym - awesome.
Is the 16th Ave / Bowfort Rd. interchange still planned in the next 5 years ?

[mersar]

Update on Stoney Trail NW:

Girders are in at Sarcee
Piers looked to be pretty much done at Beddington, so girders hopefully soon

[craner]

I wonder if there will be any Calgary Ring Road anouncements in 2008 ? Perhaps things are hinging on Tsu Tina negotiations to determine the next leg.

[mersar]

I suspect that we will see some progress, the T'suu Tina had indicated recently (ope interview I heard the day after the casino opened for instance) that the band had outlined a series of priorities a few years back, #1 being the casino, #2 the ring road and #3 development of the land bordering the city, and that they'd always planned on pursuing them in order. The person said that now the casino is open they will be looking to get the ring road dealt with fairly quickly so they can move on to #3 (which makes sense, as a lot of the development, such as the commercial parks will pretty much require the ring road to be in place as the city otherwise could disallow a lot of the access required without much difficulty).

[craner]

I suspect that we will see some progress, the T'suu Tina had indicated recently (ope interview I heard the day after the casino opened for instance) that the band had outlined a series of priorities a few years back, #1 being the casino, #2 the ring road and #3 development of the land bordering the city, and that they'd always planned on pursuing them in order. The person said that now the casino is open they will be looking to get the ring road dealt with fairly quickly so they can move on to #3 (which makes sense, as a lot of the development, such as the commercial parks will pretty much require the ring road to be in place as the city otherwise could disallow a lot of the access required without much difficulty).

Sounds promising - thanks mersar. I like the fact that the SW leg through the reserve will likely be built "limited access" off the bat to avoid a lot of future work.:)

[mersar]

Yep, from what I've seen of the plans most of it calls for building the part south of Glenmore as 6 lanes right off the bat, and all the interchanges should be done in full (there won't be too many on the reserve portion, only 3 or 4 from what I recall). The preliminary plans the province has posted show a 16 lane freeway as the eventual goal, which means that the corridor that the province wants will hopefully be at least large enough (probably be built out similar to how the QE2 is around Leduc with a quarter mile in between the two directions to start with, and the later expansion down the middle). That later expansion I wouldn't expect we'll see any time in the next 25 years though, if not longer.

[freeweed]

mersar, what's your take on the portion of Stoney just south of Crowchild? A couple of summers ago there was some massive earthworks done on the area by the Scenic Acres entrance, which I believe was prep work for the eventual interchange there. My understanding was that this was where Tuscany access was being re-directed to as well.

However in the past few weeks there's been quite a lot of work in the dirt immediately opposite the Tuscany entrance. Has there been some alignment change made to keep noisy Tuscany residents happy?

[mersar]

If you look at the site plan for that area (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stscenic-m2.pdf), it shows the rampway from the Tuscany/Scenic Acres bridge, and from Stoney to Crowchild will be just to the east of the current roadway, so they need to remove the hill since it currently slopes down pretty much right beside the current road. I doubt its anything more then that, as the initial option to build the second bridge was going to cost something like $50M more.

[lubicon]

mersar, what's your take on the portion of Stoney just south of Crowchild? A couple of summers ago there was some massive earthworks done on the area by the Scenic Acres entrance, which I believe was prep work for the eventual interchange there. My understanding was that this was where Tuscany access was being re-directed to as well.

However in the past few weeks there's been quite a lot of work in the dirt immediately opposite the Tuscany entrance. Has there been some alignment change made to keep noisy Tuscany residents happy?

I really can't see how they could change the proposed interchange at Scenic Acres Link / Tuscany Blvd. Tuscany Blvd has to be moved south to the proposed new interchange location, otherwise it will conflict with the offramp from EB Crowchild to SB Stoney Trail. Yes it kind of sucks for those of us in the north part of Tuscany but I can't see any other option. I just want the damn thing to get finished already.

[freeweed]

Thanks guys, that makes sense. And yeah, I always thought it kinda sucked for Tuscany access, but I guess the extra 30 second drive won't kill anyone.

[mersar]

Stoney Trail @ Panorama Hills
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneypanorama-jan5-1.jpg
Looking east (they built up the embankments)
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneypanorama-jan5-2.jpg
Looking west
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneypanorama-jan5-3.jpg
And the disapointing view of the future intersection

Stoney @ Beddington
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneybeddington-jan5-1.jpg

Stoney @ Country Hills (NE)
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneycountryhillsne-jan5-1.jpg

Stoney @ McKnight
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneymcknight-jan5-1.jpg
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneymcknight-jan5-2.jpg

Stoney @ 16th Avenue NE
They are working on the bridges over the ramps on both north and south of the existing highway, lots of earth moving has taken place as the piles of dirt are fairly substantial.

Stoney @ Country Hills NW
Bridge is nearing completion, I believe they've already poured the bridge deck.

Stoney @ Sarcee
Girders are up.

Stoney @ Deerfoot
Northbound bridge open, last I went up that way they hadn't started digging for the southbound bridge yet.

Stoney @ Crowchild
Work is progressing on the eastbound bridge, work has stopped on the westbound bridge (likely they are trying to get both to the same state before continueing on the westbound).

[craner]

=mersar;3263326] Stoney Trail @ Panorama Hills
Looking west
http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneypanorama-jan5-3.jpg
And the disapointing view of the future intersection

:hell: :koko:
This is so frustrating!
Thanks for the update though mersar.

[lubicon]

Our local community newspaper (in my case the Tuscany Sun) came in the mail yesterday. Usually it takes me about 2 minutes to glance through all the garbage they have in it (people complaining about dogs, traffic, etc, and the usual old & out of date 'updates' on projects by our local Alderman). About all I really pay attention to are articles about upcoming construction activities in and around the community and there was one that absolutely floored me. The community association president was going on about what has occurred in the past year and what we can expect in the coming year. How they know any of this is beyond me and frankly I'm skeptical about most 'announcements' as a lot of them turn out to be no more than false rumors. On the other hand the local communities are in contact with the city/province when it comes to planning so maybe there is some truth to the one I came across yesterday (and I really hope there is).

Anyway, he said we (the community) is anticipating an announcement this year from the province regarding further upgrades to Stoney Trail. The anticipated upgrades are:

1. construction of an interchange at Nose Hill Drive
2. additional widening of Stoney Trail (ie adding more lanes)
3. twinning the bridge over the Bow River.

I'm not holding my breath but man I really hope this comes to pass this year. The Nose Hill Drive interchange and additional lanes on Stoney are desperately needed and I guess it's only logical to twin the bridge while they are at it.

I might have to go down on myself if they actually goes ahead with this, although it will mean yet another 2 years or so of construction to put up with.

[You Need A Thneed]

Our local community newspaper (in my case the Tuscany Sun) came in the mail yesterday. Usually it takes me about 2 minutes to glance through all the garbage they have in it (people complaining about dogs, traffic, etc, and the usual old & out of date 'updates' on projects by our local Alderman). About all I really pay attention to are articles about upcoming construction activities in and around the community and there was one that absolutely floored me. The community association president was going on about what has occurred in the past year and what we can expect in the coming year. How they know any of this is beyond me and frankly I'm skeptical about most 'announcements' as a lot of them turn out to be no more than false rumors. On the other hand the local communities are in contact with the city/province when it comes to planning so maybe there is some truth to the one I came across yesterday (and I really hope there is).

Anyway, he said we (the community) is anticipating an announcement this year from the province regarding further upgrades to Stoney Trail. The anticipated upgrades are:

1. construction of an interchange at Nose Hill Drive
2. additional widening of Stoney Trail (ie adding more lanes)
3. twinning the bridge over the Bow River.

I'm not holding my breath but man I really hope this comes to pass this year. The Nose Hill Drive interchange and additional lanes on Stoney are desperately needed and I guess it's only logical to twin the bridge while they are at it.

I might have to go down on myself if they actually goes ahead with this, although it will mean yet another 2 years or so of construction to put up with.

Adding lanes and that section and twinning the bridge seem like the same project to me, as the only way to increase the laneage across the river is to build the twin bridge.

I imagine that the stretch between 16th and Crowchild will become quite busy once the whole thing opens up at the end of the year, thus creating the need for widening.

[lubicon]

Yes they pretty much go hand in hand. Of course they could simply add a 3rd NB lane after the bridge, mainly for trucks as they climb the hill out of the river valley. At the very least they need to do that (as far as widening goes), and the road is already 3 lanes NB north of Crowchild.

[freeweed]

To be honest none of that surprises me, we all know it needs doing and will be done eventually. The only surprise is an announcement this year - that would indicate that someone in the province has actually recognized the need for this NOW, not 10 years from now. Well I'm also surprised that it was in the community paper, as you're right - these things are usually 6 months out of date or more.

Colour me mildly impressed. Why anyone in their right mind would consider a traffic light at Nose Hill to be acceptable is beyond me, but baby steps...

And expect construction in the area for a lot more than 2 years. The LRT extension to Tuscany/RR will be 2011 if we're LUCKY. Hell, at the rate things have gone, I'd be extremely shocked if the current work on Stoney is even finished before 2009 - never mind the items in your list.

[You Need A Thneed]

Not really ring road related, but the interchange at the TransCanada / HWY 9 interchange between Calgary and Strathmore is progressing too. They were working on the tops of the piers when I drove through there on New Year's Eve.

[Deepstar]

Thanks for taking those pictures Mersar. I never get to see any of the action at the ring road, except for here.

[mersar]

Not a problem. I need to get some shots of the work at Crowchild, they're moving like madmen recently (they've been running the excavators as late as 9:30pm some nights) and the approach to the bridges from the north is starting to drop pretty fast. I was also told that they've started paving, theres a stretch around Sarcee Trail thats been done already.

[Doug]

I still doubt the Crowchild to Deerfoot segment will be ready by Fall as planned.

[mersar]

The only part I have concern over is the interchange at Deerfoot. Paving the entire stretch will probably take 2-3 weeks maximum if they did it all at once (and has already started), and all of the bridges except for the southbound deerfoot are well past the 3/4 mark in terms of completion.

[mersar]

Just looking through the CPC stuff, it seems they are moving ahead with the pedestrian overpasses over Stoney Trail for Arbour Lake to Royal Oak

http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneyarbourped.jpg

And Scenic Acres to Tuscany

http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneytuscanyped.jpg

[korzym]

http://www.citilabs.com/dynasim/animation/

I learned about this program from a guy that works in city planning, he said this is the sort of thing thats being used more and more. It helps to forecast traffic levels when deciding on new roads/intersections. If I remember correctly he might have said this was used on the glenmore GE5 project. It's pretty cool

[SubwayRev]

Here's a couple of shots I took of the Stoney Trail overpass at the train tracks and 15St. N.E.:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/therevbw/TwinBridgesoverCPRTracks.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/therevbw/StoneyTrailoverCPRTracks.jpg

[mersar]

Thanks for those. I hadn't realised they'd used steel girders for any of the big bridges, as every other one is concrete (there is a small steel bridge over the creek around the Beddington interchange)

[You Need A Thneed]

Thanks for those. I hadn't realised they'd used steel girders for any of the big bridges, as every other one is concrete (there is a small steel bridge over the creek around the Beddington interchange)

IIRC, most of the tenders to construct those bridges had a builder's option whether to build with steel or concrete girders. I know the plans I saw for the nose creek structure had that option. It looks like the steel option won out for this project. But it's certainly true that most bridges these days around here are getting built with precast concrete girders. Usually, it makes construction easier, as you don't need to build as many forms on the underside of the slab for the concrete deck.

[freeweed]

Just looking through the CPC stuff, it seems they are moving ahead with the pedestrian overpasses over Stoney Trail for Arbour Lake to Royal Oak

http://www.compscience.info/public/images/2008/stoneyarbourped.jpg

Ya know, sometimes I realize planners (or whoever) are just plain idiots. Why not make the pedestrian access to that bridge STRAIGHT, and move the bridge a tad north? Instead, we make walkers go that extra distance, for no discernable reason. :koko:

[bigcanuck]

Ya know, sometimes I realize planners (or whoever) are just plain idiots. Why not make the pedestrian access to that bridge STRAIGHT, and move the bridge a tad north? Instead, we make walkers go that extra distance, for no discernable reason. :koko:

Just a guess - there's an incline on both sides of Stoney Trail so I would imagine the path goes up the incline at an angle to make it less steep.

[craner]

IIRC, most of the tenders to construct those bridges had a builder's option whether to build with steel or concrete girders. I know the plans I saw for the nose creek structure had that option. It looks like the steel option won out for this project. But it's certainly true that most bridges these days around here are getting built with precast concrete girders. Usually, it makes construction easier, as you don't need to build as many forms on the underside of the slab for the concrete deck.

The new bridge over the river for Hwy 22X used steel girders. I prefer concrete personally.
Thanks for the photos Subway.
No one ever seems to talk about the stretch of Stoney TR. south of TCH to Hwy 8 (Glenmore). Is there any timeline on this portion ? or is it all dependent on when they get the SW leg through the reserve built ?
Thanks in advance.

[mersar]

I believe that south of #1 to #8 had been planned to go ahead only once the part through the reserve does as it wouldn't actually carry much until that portion is in place (at most the truck traffic that uses #8 and #22 to get to the #1 from the SE of the city would use it, and a little bit of peak traffic). It will be interesting to see when that stretch does go ahead, though it will make escaping out the backroads into springbank a bit more restricted.

[You Need A Thneed]

I believe that south of #1 to #8 had been planned to go ahead only once the part through the reserve does as it wouldn't actually carry much until that portion is in place (at most the truck traffic that uses #8 and #22 to get to the #1 from the SE of the city would use it, and a little bit of peak traffic). It will be interesting to see when that stretch does go ahead, though it will make escaping out the backroads into springbank a bit more restricted.

That makes a lot of sense, however, that section is the only section where I haven't seen any preliminary plans for.

There will be a pretty big earthmoving job to get Stoney up the hill south of 16th, and some more north of Glenmore.

[mersar]

Yeah, going up the hill will require a bit of a cut to be made into the hill by 16th, coming towards Glenmore is relatively flat though (it is a hill, but its not steep)

There is the preliminary map on the province's site here (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/TCHSarcee.pdf)

[Corndogger]

I believe that south of #1 to #8 had been planned to go ahead only once the part through the reserve does as it wouldn't actually carry much until that portion is in place (at most the truck traffic that uses #8 and #22 to get to the #1 from the SE of the city would use it, and a little bit of peak traffic). It will be interesting to see when that stretch does go ahead, though it will make escaping out the backroads into springbank a bit more restricted.

This news release from last October concerning Highway 43 makes the delay with the Tsuu Tina all the more preplexing. One would think dealing with Native land would be equally difficult everywhere but apparently not according to the newslease.

http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200710/222466CFFCACA-EAF1-E64D-56CCE2BA91891D25.html

[You Need A Thneed]

There is the preliminary map on the province's site here (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/TCHSarcee.pdf)

Yeah, that one I've seen, but it's less then what I've seen for every other section. Every other section I've seen more detailed layouts that show lanes and the interchange designs.

[SubwayRev]

The new bridge over the river for Hwy 22X used steel girders. I prefer concrete personally.
Thanks for the photos Subway.
No one ever seems to talk about the stretch of Stoney TR. south of TCH to Hwy 8 (Glenmore). Is there any timeline on this portion ? or is it all dependent on when they get the SW leg through the reserve built ?
Thanks in advance.

I've always wondered why they don't just have the ring road follow Sarcee Trail from #1 to Glenmore. There's already a wide ROW, and it would only require a couple of interchanges.

[bigcanuck]

There will be a pretty big earthmoving job to get Stoney up the hill south of 16th, and some more north of Glenmore.

Burnco has been carving out the TUC behind the hill south of #1 for years - hopefully when the go-ahead is given on this portion, the dent that Burnco has already made will assist in the earthmoving job. Either they've lowered the grade enough that only carving out the front of the hill will be necessary, or they've made a big enough pit that the earth can be moved into the pit from the front of the hill without having to cart it miles away.

Looking at the satellite image doesn't seem to do it justice - you have to drive by the site to see how deep they've dug so far.

[MalcolmTucker]

I've always wondered why they don't just have the ring road follow Sarcee Trail from #1 to Glenmore. There's already a wide ROW, and it would only require a couple of interchanges.

Because when the ring roads were set up, that ROW ran right through/in peoples backyards of Calgary West, the was Peter Lougheed's riding at the time.

Also, the part that needs to go through the reserve and end up connecting to the #1 is slated to be 16 lanes upon the completion of the second ring road, and I guess Highway 8 corridor is wide enough for that, but Sarcee would not. (8 lanes would continue west to the second ring road, while 8 would go north up to Stoney and 16th)

[korzym]

Got a response to an inquiry I made about 68th and 16th ave overpass..stoney and 16th ramps' development is dependent on what they do at that interchange. From what I understand this person's telling me there are no plans for an overpass in the initial design.

I want to reply to this email for more information, if any of you have any questions I'll be glad to ask them.

They told me about the stage one design has been endorsed by the province:
-16 Ave and 68 St keep traffic signals, but upgraded
-more ramps to stoney
-6 lanes: 52nd st to stoney for 16th
-no left turns onto 68th from stoney
unclear if their talking about the original stage one plan from the 80s or a new plan they decided to use the same name. Current set-up is referred to as stage one in the document on the city's website. I was also told they can't reveal the design options..however the pdf on the city's website I was referring to earlier [found here: http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/trans_planning/studies/16_avenue_68_st_interchange/open_house_june.pdf ] has 3 possibilities..so lot's of unclarity..

[mersar]

Stelmach Says Ring Road Deal Is Close
Feb, 25 2008 - 9:30 PM



CALGARY/AM770CHQR - Premier Stelmach says a deal is close on the southwest portion of the ring road.

He says he put a tentative deal together some time ago with the Tsuu T'ina First Nation, but he adds right now his focus is on the election campaign.

He says he will concentrate on finalizing the deal once the election is over.


Figured the the ring road would get brought up eventually

[lubicon]

Figured the the ring road would get brought up eventually

Taft brought it up over the weekend too, promising $800 million and a deal with the Tsu Tina.

[Innersoul1]

Figured the the ring road would get brought up eventually

I have seen the official drawings and such...pretty impressive!

[korzym]

I have seen the official drawings and such...pretty impressive!

Impressive as in their "building a tunnel by the glenmore reservoir area" impressive? ;):fingerscrossed:

[Surrealplaces]

Impressive as in their "building a tunnel by the glenmore reservoir area" impressive? ;):fingerscrossed:

A tunnel under the reservoir would cost a shitload wouldn't it? I'd rather see the downtown LRT get a tunnel. I'm glad to see that they are moving on with the southeast portion of the ring road though :tup:

[Innersoul1]

Impressive as in their "building a tunnel by the glenmore reservoir area" impressive? ;):fingerscrossed:

NOPE, I would have even been happy to see an impressive bridge over the weaselhead. BUT, it is a straight cut through the Tsu Tina starting at the highway 8/Glenmore interchange and running south. It cuts far enough away from the Weaselhead that any bridge will be a small one.

[mersar]

Does the plan still include the diversion/relocation of the Elbow River at the crossing? Or did they drop that?

[Innersoul1]

Does the plan still include the diversion/relocation of the Elbow River at the crossing? Or did they drop that?

I didn't see anything to indicate a diversion.

[mersar]

I didn't see anything to indicate a diversion.

Good to hear. The version of the plan with the diversion was for a fairly minor issue, in that they didn't want to have a bridge that crossed the river at an angle, instead wanted the bridge to be perpendicular. I'm sure there are engineering reasons to do it, but I doubt that designing and building a bridge that crosses the river at an angle is harder then the process moving the river itself.

[You Need A Thneed]

It still looks like a diversion on the Alberta Transportation Website. (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/1106SWRR-FUNC-BOARD-bridge.pdf) Elbow river and Fish Creek.

Nose Creek too. (http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType490/production/stdeer-m2.pdf)

[Innersoul1]

Ah, I didn't see those. It looks like the meander of the rivers would cause some issues with setting the pilons of the bridge.

Funny, this plan seems to have MORE of an environmental impact than a bridge over the Weaselhead LOL