This release was issued under a previous government.
June 28, 2012
Repairs begin July 6 to the 16th Avenue North and Deerfoot Trail interchange in Calgary
Calgary... The eastbound 16th Avenue N bridge over Deerfoot Trail in Calgary will undergo deck repairs and receive a new concrete overlay. Efforts are being made to limit delays for motorists.
Eastbound lanes:
- At least two full-width lanes will be available at all times.
- Starting the evening of July 6, eastbound lane closures will occur on the north side.
- On or about Aug. 3, the work zone will move to the south side of the bridge.
- The project is anticipated to be completed by Sept. 15, weather permitting.
Turning traffic:
- Large commercial vehicles will not be able to move from southbound Deerfoot Trail to eastbound 16th Avenue N for the duration of the project.
- Turning movements in all directions will remain open for all other vehicles.
Other impacts:
- The speed limit will be reduced to 50 km/h through the construction zone and will be briefly reduced to 30 km/h for two separate one-day periods to accommodate concrete pours.
- Periodic lane closures will occur on Deerfoot Trail during non-peak hours.
- There will be no impacts to westbound 16th Avenue N.
GTS Constructors Inc. will undertake the $1.8-million repair and overlay to the 40-year-old bridge deck.
Motorists should use caution in the area and obey all signs, message boards, and flag people. Motorists are reminded that fines for speeding are doubled through construction zones when workers are present.
Project updates are available on Twitter @AMARoadReports and using the hashtags #YYCTraffic and #16Ave&DRFT.
Backgrounder: Frequently asked questions about the project.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
[email protected]
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
June 28, 2012Frequently asked questions about the project
Why is this project being done and why now?
The interchange bridge is nearly 40 years old. The driving surface on the concrete deck is wearing out and needs to be replaced. The new concrete will provide a smooth, durable driving surface that also protects the structural bridge components underneath.
What is being done?
The bridge deck’s driving surface is being replaced. The existing surface concrete will be removed and repairs made to the structural components underneath. Following repairs, a new surface layer of concrete will be placed. It’s similar to replacing shingles on a house in that the old shingles are pulled off, any needed repairs are made to the roof, and then the new shingles are put on.
Similar work on two Deerfoot Trail bridges last year resulted in significant traffic delays. What is being done to reduce delays for this project?
Alberta Transportation hired a traffic accommodation specialist to come up with a plan to keep traffic moving as well as possible during the project. There are also significant differences between the two projects. In contrast to last year’s project, there are many more viable alternative routes for motorists who wish to avoid the construction zone. In addition, traffic volumes are significantly lower on 16th Avenue N than on Deerfoot Trail.
Which alternate routes may motorists use to avoid the construction zone?
Motorists may use 32nd Avenue N, McKnight Boulevard, or Memorial Drive as alternative routes. All three are relatively close to 16th Avenue N and will not take motorists too far out of their way.
Why are only big trucks and not all vehicles prevented from using the interchange to go from southbound Deerfoot Trail to eastbound 16th Avenue N?
To divert all traffic would cause too many delays, while large commercial vehicles have several nearby alternatives such as McKnight Boulevard, 32nd Avenue N, and Memorial Drive. An analysis showed that removing large trucks from the congestion allows more vehicles will move through each cycle of lights, resulting in a noticable improvement to traffic flow through the work zone.
Why is the speed limit being reduced to 30 km/h during the concrete pours?
The lower speeds will produce lower levels of vibration on the bridge, which will produce less “bouncing” by the concrete surfacing machines. Less bouncing ensures a smoother surface following the pour and less need to go back and fix any deficiencies in the new surface.
Why will there be periodic closures of Deerfoot Trail?
There will be times when work will be completed directly overhead on Deerfoot Trail. Traffic cannot be allowed to travel directly beneath the repair work for safety reasons. The Deerfoot Trail closures will be restricted to non-peak hours, resulting in minimal effects on traffic.
What effects will the project have on westbound 16th Avenue N?
None.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
[email protected]
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Backgrounder
June 28, 2012Frequently asked questions about the project
Why is this project being done and why now?
The interchange bridge is nearly 40 years old. The driving surface on the concrete deck is wearing out and needs to be replaced. The new concrete will provide a smooth, durable driving surface that also protects the structural bridge components underneath.
What is being done?
The bridge deck’s driving surface is being replaced. The existing surface concrete will be removed and repairs made to the structural components underneath. Following repairs, a new surface layer of concrete will be placed. It’s similar to replacing shingles on a house in that the old shingles are pulled off, any needed repairs are made to the roof, and then the new shingles are put on.
Similar work on two Deerfoot Trail bridges last year resulted in significant traffic delays. What is being done to reduce delays for this project?
Alberta Transportation hired a traffic accommodation specialist to come up with a plan to keep traffic moving as well as possible during the project. There are also significant differences between the two projects. In contrast to last year’s project, there are many more viable alternative routes for motorists who wish to avoid the construction zone. In addition, traffic volumes are significantly lower on 16th Avenue N than on Deerfoot Trail.
Which alternate routes may motorists use to avoid the construction zone?
Motorists may use 32nd Avenue N, McKnight Boulevard, or Memorial Drive as alternative routes. All three are relatively close to 16th Avenue N and will not take motorists too far out of their way.
Why are only big trucks and not all vehicles prevented from using the interchange to go from southbound Deerfoot Trail to eastbound 16th Avenue N?
To divert all traffic would cause too many delays, while large commercial vehicles have several nearby alternatives such as McKnight Boulevard, 32nd Avenue N, and Memorial Drive. An analysis showed that removing large trucks from the congestion allows more vehicles will move through each cycle of lights, resulting in a noticable improvement to traffic flow through the work zone.
Why is the speed limit being reduced to 30 km/h during the concrete pours?
The lower speeds will produce lower levels of vibration on the bridge, which will produce less “bouncing” by the concrete surfacing machines. Less bouncing ensures a smoother surface following the pour and less need to go back and fix any deficiencies in the new surface.
Why will there be periodic closures of Deerfoot Trail?
There will be times when work will be completed directly overhead on Deerfoot Trail. Traffic cannot be allowed to travel directly beneath the repair work for safety reasons. The Deerfoot Trail closures will be restricted to non-peak hours, resulting in minimal effects on traffic.
What effects will the project have on westbound 16th Avenue N?
None.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
[email protected]
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.