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Wider sidewalks, prominent crosswalks, upgraded street lighting, and new tree plantings are just some of the amenities pedestrians can expect to enjoy by the fall as construction begins on a host of streetscape improvements along 1 Street SW. The work, which also includes an increased number of on-street parking spaces and bike racks, is centred between 10 Avenue and 17 Avenue. It continues a legacy of public realm enhancements first implemented by the City in 2003 between 12 and 14 Avenues. That first phase was followed up by a second phase of improvements last year, when work on the 1 Street SW CPR underpass was completed.
"The improvements build on the existing character of the blocks located between 12 and 14 Avenues, extending the streetscape design along the full length of the corridor," said Graham Gerylo, Urban Strategy project manager with the City of Calgary. "This work will create a safer, more comfortable and inviting environment for the thousands of pedestrians and transit riders that travel along this corridor each day."
Sidewalks will be completely demolished under the scheme while crews dig trenches to place electrical conduit to power the new streetlight poles. Although the sidewalks will be closed to pedestrian traffic, the adjacent lane will be used as a pedestrian detour. Access to the storefronts will be maintained via multiple temporary ramps. Work will take place in stages, with the first focusing on utility crossings along the entire corridor. Full block reconstruction of sidewalks along the east side of 1 Street between 10 and 12 Avenues will follow thereafter.
Ailing trees along the corridor have been removed and will be replaced in new tree trenches as construction proceeds. The City notes that the location and design of some existing bus stops will be modified to "improve Calgary Transit customer service and safety." The project echoes the principles outlined in Calgary's Centre City Plan, which establishes a vision for more pedestrian and transit-oriented streetscapes.
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