What is the Southwest Transitway?
If you were unable to attend the information session on February 23, please have a look at the display boards that were presented.
The Southwest Transitway project will bring a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to southwest Calgary, improving transit service and providing travel alternatives for the area. The new southwest BRT will run from Downtown Calgary to Woodbine and provide direct transit connections to major destinations such as Glenmore Landing, Heritage Park, Rockyview Hospital, Mount Royal University, Currie Barracks, Marda Loop and the Southland Leisure Centre.
The service includes constructing new bus stations, which will provide transit customers with heated waiting facilities, real-time travel information, and improved lighting and amenities. Buses are expected to run every 10 minutes in peak hours, and every 15-20 minutes in off-peak hours.
Two new dedicated bus-only lanes will be constructed on 14 Street S.W. between Southland Drive and 75 Avenue S.W. This will allow buses to bypass traffic and maintain a reliable and efficient service.
Why do we need the SW BRT?
The SW Transitway Project will service the thousands of existing transit users in Calgary’s southwest and is built to service the millions of transit users to come.
Significant growth expected in southwest Calgary:
This growth is equivalent to one or two additional lanes of traffic in rush hour along the corridor, leading to more congestion, increased travel times, and longer duration of rush hour periods.
Similarly, without a viable transit option in place, roadway infrastructure would need to be expanded in the future to accommodate the growth. These infrastructure expansions would likely have a greater impact to adjacent communities than the SW Transitway project does.
What changes will be made to 14 Street SW?
The majority of construction for the Southwest Transitway will occur on 14 Street S.W. to build the two new dedicated bus-only lanes between Southland Drive and Glenmore Trail. All work on 14 Street S.W. will be contained within existing City-owned road right of-way.
14 Street S.W. will continue to operate with the same number of traffic lanes as it does today. Space for the new lanes will be taken from the boulevards and median.
Will traffic lanes be narrowed on 14 Street SW?
Yes. The traffic lanes on 14 Street S.W. will be narrowed by just under 8 inches, or 0.2 metres. The existing lanes are 3.7 metres wide, and will be 3.5 metres after the transit-only lanes are constructed. 3.5 metre lanes are found on many major roadways in Calgary, are safe for motorists, and well within Transportation Association of Canada standards. The Southwest Transitway team also works closely with emergency services and the City of Calgary Roads department to ensure lane widths and roadway designs are safe and functional for all users.
Will the speed limit be lowered on 14 Street SW?
No. There are no plans to change the speed limit on 14 Street S.W. Posted speeds will remain at 70 km/hour.
Will buses make it harder for emergency vehicles to access the hospital?
No. The Southwest Transitway team is working with the Rockyview Hospital, Carewest and Alberta Health Services to ensure that access for emergency vehicles is maintained at all times.
Where will the station in Woodbine be located for the SW Transitway?
The last stop on the Southwest Transitway route will be the new station in Woodbine. This will be located on 24 Street just north of Woodpark Blvd. Because this is the last station on the route, there will be a small roundabout at the intersection of 24 Street and Woodpark Blvd to facilitate the bus turnaround. Designs are still under review with Calgary Transit, and will be shared with the public in early 2016.
Will there be a parking lot constructed in Woodbine?
No. There are no plans to construct parking facilities for the Southwest Transitway. The stations are intended to serve local communities and will primarily be accessed from within the community via feeder buses, walking and cycling. Stations will be located entirely within Cityowned land.
Are there any plans for high density Transit Oriented Development (TOD) around Woodbine Station?
The City does not have any plans for high density development around Woodbine Station.
Will the recreation fields in Woodbine be impacted by the Southwest Transitway?
No. The Southwest Transitway, including the last station in Woodbine, does not touch any designated park spaces or recreational fields.
Will the grassed blvd along 14 Street SW be impacted by the construction of the BRT?
Yes. This project involves adding two new bus lanes to 14 Street S.W., while also maintaining the existing traffic lanes. In order to accomplish this within the existing roadway, the grass and concrete boulevards in the centre of the road will be narrowed or removed to make space for the new lanes. The grass on the east and west sides of 14 Street S.W. will also be removed in some places and some modifications will be made to the slope. These medians and boulevards are all within the current 14 Street S.W. road right-of- way.
Will trees be impacted by construction of the bus-only lanes on 14 Street SW?
Some trees within the road right-of-way located along 14 Street S.W. may be impacted by construction. The Southwest Transitway team will make every effort to avoid tree removal as much as possible. If trees are required to be removed during construction, they will be relocated if possible. If relocation is not possible, new trees will be planted in place of the removed trees.
Will any parks of recreational fields be impacted by the construction?
No. Transitway stations will be constructed entirely within existing City-owned road right of way, and will not require the use of any designated park space or recreational fields. The off-leash dog area on the east side of 14 Street S.W. will not be impacted.
The transit-only lanes on 14 Street S.W., between Southland Drive and Glenmore Trail will also be constructed entirely within City-owned road right of way.
How can I learn more about the project?
The City offers multiple ways for citizens to stay informed. Below are listed various resources:
