Alberta Transportation is qualifying companies to bid on improvements to Deerfoot Trail as a P3 project. Alberta’s government has committed $210 million to the construction phase for the improvements and expects almost $200 million in additional private investment. Together, the investments are expected to create hundreds of jobs.
“Deerfoot Trail is Alberta’s busiest road and Calgarians know it’s congested and needs improvement,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Alberta’s P3 model means we double the taxpayer’s investment with private money, to upgrade twice as many bridges and intersections. Improving Deerfoot Trail creates good-paying jobs and boosts our growth in the future.”
Tanya Fir, MLA for Calgary-Peigan said accidents and traffic jams are all too common on the Deerfoot. “This announcement is a major step forward to upgrade even more of a route that many Calgarians rely on. Quicker and safer travel will support growth in our city.”
Alberta’s government recently updated the P3 framework to provide greater flexibility in building infrastructure, creating jobs and stimulating the economy while making the most of limited taxpayer dollars.
The request for qualification (RFQ) process involves gathering information from prospective proponents in order to qualify them to submit a bid during the upcoming request for proposal stage.
Approximate timeline:
- Spring/Summer 2021 – RFQ process proceeds
- August 2021 – request for proposal is posted to solicit bids
- July 2022 – proponent selected and contract awarded
- Fall 2022 – construction begins
- Fall 2026 – project completion
Deerfoot Trail improvements could include:
- Ivor Strong Bridge twinning
- Anderson Road/Bow Bottom Trail Interchange
- Three through-lanes in each direction
- Interchange reconfiguration, including new bridges and ramps
- Twinning the bridge over Glenmore Trail Interchange
- Reconfiguring the 17 Avenue SE and Memorial Drive Interchanges and eliminating weaving traffic
- Widening between 17 Avenue SE and Airport Trail to four lanes in each direction
Approximately 180,000 vehicles use the Deerfoot Trail daily.
Featured Image: Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB. (City of Calgary)
