Learn more about Airport Tr. interchanges

Summary: City of Calgary is holding an Information Session Nov. 7 at Westin Calgary Airport from 5 – 8 p.m.

This will be an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions. Crew and Team YYC are invited. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2020, as work to construct the detours begins. We’ve included some FAQs below, but please comment if you have any other questions.

For the latest updates on the project, go to Calgary.ca/airporttrail

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is this project all about?

This project involves:

• Two new interchanges along Airport Tr. at 19 Street NE and Barlow Tr.
• Extension of Airport Tr. between 36 Street NE and 60 Street NE, with an intersection at Metis Tr.
• New southbound-to-westbound ramp at the interchange of Stoney Trail and Airport Tr.

2. Will this construction affect travel times to and from the airport?

Reduced speed limits, construction activity and detours will make travel times to and from the airport longer, especially during peak traffic times. We recommend motorist and guests add extra time to their journeys to arrive at their destination on time. We will make every effort to communicate phases of the project and road detours that could add to delays.

3. What will be done to make sure drivers know how to navigate the detours, exits and flow of traffic?

Signage and wayfinding is critical to direct motorists safely to their proposed destinations. This project will include signage to meet this need.

4. What is the project budget/cost?

Estimated cost of the Airport Tr.– Phase 2 project is $153.35 million from four funding partner sources: Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, the Calgary Airport Authority and The City of Calgary.

5. What is the construction timeline for this project?

Construction of the extension of Airport Tr. between 36 Street NE and 60 Street NE began in September 2018. Construction of the new interchanges will start in 2019 and work on the Airport Tr. / Stoney Tr. ramp begins in 2020. All three components of this project will be opened at the same time when the overall project is completed in 2022

6. Why are two traffic movements being relocated in the interchange at 19 Street and Airport Tr. NE?

We are building what we can today based on traffic movements, land and space constraints. The plan allows for future growth.

• Airport Trail has always been envisioned as a vital east-west link between Deerfoot Tr. and the Ring Road. Its classification as a skeletal road means that the ultimate orientation will include grade separation at all major cross streets.
• The Airport Tr. Interchanges are a first step in providing better traffic flow along Airport Tr., with the added goal of allowing unrestricted traffic to and from YYC Calgary International Airport, and accommodating its growth.
• The close proximity of 19 Street and Barlow Tr. do not permit adequate distance for exit and entrance ramps from and onto Airport Tr., without considerable weaving, leading to traffic safety concerns. 19 Street and Barlow Tr. structures and ramps essentially function as one Interchange.
• Consequently, some 19 Street movements are not lost, but adjusted. This has been anticipated by all Transportation Planning studies, extending back to the early 2000’s.