Deerfoot Trail / Glenmore Trail Interchange

[dmuzika]

The Province of Alberta is planning on upgrading the Deerfoot Trail/Glenmore Trail interchange, the busiest interchange in the City of Calgary. Current major deficiencies include 3 core lanes being reduced to 2 core lanes on Deerfoot Trail and no direct ramp from NB Deerfoot Trail to WB Glenmore Trail (current access is via Heritage Meadows Rd and Heritage Dr that includes 2 signalized intersections), see http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/glengp.htm. THe City of Cagary website also now has a link to the project.

The project includes

• new vehicle bridge adjacent to existing (east side) over Glenmore Trail
• realignment and geometric improvements of loops and ramps
• addition of one core lane in both directions on Deerfoot Trail over Glenmore Trail
• addition of extra lanes and shoulder widening on Deerfoot Trail north and south of Glenmore Trail
• addition of collector-distributor lanes on southbound Deerfoot Trail and eastbound Glenmore Trail

A map of the project is http://www.transportation.alberta.ca...on/glen-m5.pdf

This project is part of Stage 1 of the 2006 Deerfoot Trail/Glenmore Trail Interchange Functional Planning Study. The Ultimate Stage includes 2 flyovers and C/D lanes on Glenmore Trail between Deerfoot Trail and Blackfoot Trail.

While Stage 1 addresses the lane deficiencies on Deerfoot Trail, it does not address the NB --> WB access. If the interchange is the busiest in Calgary and connects the city's major N-S and E-S corridors, it should be full access and free flowing. While the interchange being constructed as the Ultimate Stage would be ideal, due to funding restraints it may not be realistic. As a compromise, I think at the very least the NB --> WB flyover should be constructed as part of the initial stage. The interchange would then be similar to the recently completed McKnight Blvd/Metis Trail/36 St NE interchange, http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/...hange_plan.pdf.

It appears Stage 1 is still being studied, I wonder if there is any chance it may be modified to add the flyover. Any thoughts?