Calgary City Council Requests Comments on the Future of a Section of 11th Street SW Between Eighth and 11th Avenue SW
City officials have posted a number of design concepts that show potential plans for the area, and some of the plans do not include access for vehicular traffic.
“11th Street SW provides a vital link between the waistline and the west end of downtown via the CP Rail line barrier that divides downtown Calgary,” the city’s website explains.
“With the closure of 8th Street SE, 11th Street SW is the only remaining level railroad crossing in the city center. As a key connection to access parks, grocery stores, restaurants, commercial services, buildings apartments and offices in the surrounding area, it is important that we offer comfortable and attractive transport options for people of all ages and abilities. “
The city’s recommended plan is the so-called “underground passage of active modes of travel.”
It means that vehicular traffic would be closed between Ninth Avenue and 10th Avenue SW to focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety, with a playground also built.
“The recommended plan prioritized the pedestrian experience,” said Shane LeBouthillier, the city’s transportation engineer at an June 15 open house.
“(Reduces dependence on the car and invests in creating a vibrant destination in the city center so that Calgarans and visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy.”
Four plans were proposed to the public, but the recommended plans do not include vehicles.
The alternative plan would allow bike lanes, roads and traffic to continue for vehicles.
The city says participation in Phase 2 of the project saw a fairly uniform split for people who wanted to eliminate vehicular traffic and those who want to continue.
The project will also expand the CP Rail line from two to four lanes.
The plan will include two-meter-wide sidewalks on each side of the road, a 1.5-meter-wide bike lane and a three-meter-wide multipurpose road.
There will also be concepts of interaction, play, fitness, rest and art in the area.
The city says revitalization is key in this area.
“It’s the only level crossing left in the city, after the closure of Eighth Street SW,” LeBouthillier said.
The stretch of road connects the Bow River with the Beltline in a north-south direction.
Jeff Buziak lives three blocks from the railroad crossing.
“I don’t just agree with pedestrians,” Buziak said.
“We also have winter around here, which is not a great pedestrian season.”
He believes that vehicular traffic should be maintained.
“Calgary is such a beautiful city that we have a good combination of access for everyone, and preventing one or the other is not a good thing,” Buziak said.
“I think we have a lot of space here to do a combination of the two.”
No funding is currently available for the project.
The design concept has not been finalized by the city, but a detailed plan will be presented to the city council this fall once all the public commitment has been accepted before June 29th.
For more information on the project, visit the Calgary City Council website.