West ring road construction causes major traffic delays for northwest Calgary residents
Severe traffic delays in the northwest communities of Valley Ridge and Crestmont are creating major headaches for local residents and drivers trying to access the area.
The neighbourhoods are located right in the heart of Calgary’s West Ring Road project but residents claim there is only one way in and one way out for westbound and eastbound commuters.
“It’s a little bit concerning when it comes to emergency vehicles getting in and out of this area mainly because you got only one roundabout and you have two communities using it,” said Todd MacGregor who works nearby.
“I think both communities need more exits and entrances rather than just having one.”
As it remains, westbound drivers only have the option of entering Valley Ridge from an exit off the Trans-Canada Highway.
Crestmont residents are forced to go through a roundabout and under a bridge deck, which bottlenecks traffic at an intersection.
All the while, more eastbound cars from the Trans-Canada Highway are stopped at that intersection to allow Crestmont drivers to go home and Valley Ridge residents to exit.
The lineup to get out of Valley Ridge is often backed up during rush hour causing major delays, according to local residents like Emma Schneider.
“I mean it took me almost an hour to get to soccer practice when my GPS said it would take me 30 minutes. It was just awful – it took me forever,” she said.
Others neighbours like Scott Barnouw has also had several of his medical appointments pushed back because of the traffic delays.
“I started leaving the neighbourhood and something that would normally take me a 10-minute drive ended up taking me 30 minutes to get there,” he said.
“Someone needs to regulate and oversee these construction companies when they’re doing this work, because they don’t seem to make it easy for the public, they just look after their own needs.”
ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION COMMITS TO SAFE ACCESS
Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation told CTV News that it realizes the inconvenience and disruptions as a result of major construction projects, adding that it appreciates the patience of drivers.
The province added that there are two emergency access points available to emergency responders from the community of Valley Ridge – one on the southwest side of the Trans-Canada Highway and the other on the east side of Stoney Trail.
Both of those exits are however gated, locked, and only opened in the event of an emergency.
In a statement from Mark Jacka, press secretary for the Ministry of Transportation, he says:
“The contractor (Ellis Don) works with emergency responders to share information as construction is ongoing so that emergency responders are aware of detours and work impacting traffic.”
“Last week the contractor finished the construction and shifting of traffic onto the final alignment of Valley Ridge Boulevard leading into the community of Valley Ridge.”
CTV News reached out to Ellis Don Construction who is overseeing the West Ring Road project, but did not receive a response.
The City of Calgary did, however, release a statement.
“As with all ring road projects, the corridor here is entirely within provincial control and jurisdiction and it is within their role to review and address concerns and approve any detour plans,” it said.
“The only exception is if any detours make use of city roads, then the contractor needs to review with us. However in this instance that has not been the case.”
The City went on to say that it conveys all concerns to Alberta Transportation and it is up to the province to address future problems.
Construction on the West Ring Road project is not expected to be completed until 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.