'Necessary evil': Major construction project begins on Crowchild Trail N.W. for the summer

A major overhaul has begun on Crowchild Trail N.W. from Stoney Trail to 32nd Avenue.

The work will continue until mid-September, with maintenance being done on roadways, sidewalks, curbs, wheelchair ramps, barriers and gutters. 

During construction, one to two lanes northbound and southbound will remain open at all times.

The city says most work will be done during off-peak hours and will continue through the night. The full construction schedule and map can be found here.

The project will cost $7.3 million and is part of the $40-million annual paving program.

The city says the work is essential and will not only improve the roadway but prevent costlier work in the future. It also says repairing and replacing sidewalks and wheelchair ramps will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

The city acknowledges there will be congestion, lower speed limits, travel delays and detours.

The city says it is working to minimize that but is asking Calgarians to consider different routes and modes of transportation, or carpooling, when possible.

Lowell Williams owns a men's clothing store in the Dalhousie Station business area, located along the thoroughfare. He says the roadwork could impact business.

"Suddenly when they have to face the idea of, 'OK, there's construction, it might take a little longer,' they might not necessarily always choose to brave the traffic. So that's always a concern."

But Williams does believe maintenance is needed. 

"We were dodging potholes the whole way up, Williams said. "I appreciate it has to happen. So, we'll grin and bear it."

Chelsey Popoff's commute takes her along Crowchild Trail every day. She agrees the road needs work.

"There are some potholes, for sure," she said. "I'm sure it'll be an inconvenience, but yeah, life does go on." 

Popoff added she anticipates it could take longer to get to work but plans to leave earlier to make it on time.  

"It's annoying. It takes a long time. I feel like every summer, it's construction season," said Peytan Green.

As a new Calgarian who moved from Edmonton late last year, she's used to the spring and summer being full of traffic detours. 

The roadwork will take a break during Stampede, from July 5 to 14.

"Thank God," Green said, adding she will be taking in the Stampede as a new resident of the city.

Hugh Calvert drives the road every single day, and sees the silver lining in the work. 

"It's got to be done. It's just one of those necessary evils, so I think it is what it is," said Calvert. 

"I'll be honest, I get my share of speeding tickets," he added. "That's the beauty of the traffic backing up. You can't speed, right?"

The city says CTrain operations will not be affected but services along the line could be.

The project is part of almost 400 lane-kilometres of rehabilitation this roadwork season, which runs from May to October.