Improvements and upgrades to Calgary’s 17th Avenue are set to start up again now that spring is here and the city is holding two information sessions to provide an update on the project.

Construction on 17th Avenue southwest has been ongoing since last year to replace underground utilities and rebuild the 30-year-old roadway.

The upgrades include improvements to crosswalks and sidewalks to make the area between Macleod Trail and 14 Street more pedestrian friendly.

The area is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants and the city says it will work with affected property and business owners to manage any potential disruptions to utilities or access issues.

“It will impact business flow no matter what, whether it be traffic or by foot. If the construction is out front it will impact it, if it’s down the street, it will impact it, so for the next, two, three, even four years, if will affect our business for sure,” said Kari Carvey, from Reids Stationary. “It is a welcome upgrade. Like any renovation, it is needed and it is time to get it finished, time to get it done, but there is going to be a large impact on customers and business for sure.”

Crews will start putting up fencing between 2nd Street and College Lane SW during the week of April 9 and work will get underway the following week.

Motorists will be re-routed to the one-way streets on 14th and 15th Avenues during the construction but sidewalks and intersections will remain open.

The city is holding two public information sessions to provide an overview of the project:

  • Wed. April 4, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Kahanoff Centre - 105 12th Ave. S.E.
  • Sat. April 7, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Western Canada High School - 641 17th Ave. S.W.

The overall budget for the project is $44 million.

For more on the 17th Avenue S.W. construction project click HERE.

Click HERE to view the construction schedule or scroll the document below.