Ivor Strong Bridge Opens as Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project Progresses

📅 2 weeks ago

The Ivor Strong Bridge has officially opened, facilitating traffic flow as part of the broader Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project in Calgary, which encompasses significant upgrades and new constructions along the major roadway.

CALGARY, ALTA. – A significant milestone was celebrated by politicians, residents of Calgary, and contractor Aecon with the opening of the Ivor Strong Bridge, a key component of the ongoing Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project. While the construction efforts are still underway on this vital corridor, the recent shift of traffic to the new bridge allows for rehabilitation work to commence on the existing bridge. As outlined in a government release, the new Ivor Strong Bridge is designed to manage all southbound traffic, while the older bridge will be repurposed for northbound vehicles. Each of these structures will accommodate four lanes in both directions.
The improvements made to the existing Ivor Strong Bridge include the removal of the current concrete median barrier, retrofitting of expansion joints, and the removal of existing streetlight poles. Importantly, the renovation work will be limited to the bridge deck and will not affect the bridge piers and abutments, nor will it necessitate any in-river work.
Simultaneously, construction activities are progressing across various sections of Deerfoot Trail, with crews actively working on additional bridge structures, the installation of barriers and lighting, and paving efforts. According to the province, four other projects have already been completed as part of the overall improvements:
- McKnight Boulevard NE, which began in spring 2023 and was completed in fall 2025;
- 16th Avenue NE, which started in summer 2024 and is anticipated to finish in fall 2025;
- Beddington Trail NW & 11 Street NE, commencing in spring 2023 and wrapping up in fall 2024;
- 64th Avenue NE, which began in fall 2022 and was completed by summer 2023.
The comprehensive Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project encompasses a significant scope of work, including approximately 70 kilometres of lane resurfacing, around 40 kilometres of lane widening, the installation of about 20 kilometres of new concrete barriers, the rehabilitation of two existing bridges, and the construction of seven new bridges. Additionally, new lighting will be installed along approximately 77 percent of the Deerfoot Trail.
This extensive project, valued at $700 million, is projected to generate around 2,100 direct construction jobs throughout its five-year duration.

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