Date: Fri Aug 17 14:26:30 2007
Subject: 6 Avenue S.E. Closed between Centre Street and 1 Street S.E. 
From: Citynewsroom

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             CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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Calgary, August 17, 2007 – Beginning at 5 a.m. on Tuesday,
August 21, 6 Avenue S.E. between Centre Street and 1 Street
S.E. will be closed for approximately 10 months to
accommodate the safe construction of a major development
referred to as The Bow.

“Several options were evaluated including both full and
partial closures. A one-time, temporary full closure was
deemed the best option because it will speed up the
construction schedule and reduce the length of time that
downtown traffic is impacted,” said Malcolm Logan, Director
of Roads.  

The City of Calgary is committed to working closely with the
developer to streamline the construction process while
ensuring the safety of both the public and workers. Traffic
control measures such as multiple turning lanes, advance turn
arrow installations, transit only contra-flow bus lanes and
adjusted signal timings will be installed on the major detour
routes.

“The Transportation Department will monitor traffic
operations continuously and make adjustments as necessary
throughout the closure to minimize the impact on traffic,”
said Logan.

The closure should not delay service to Calgary Transit
customers. Calgary Transit will increase capacity through the
addition of articulated buses and new light rail vehicles to
provide additional choices to commuters. During the closure,
normal 6 Avenue bus service will be routed north on 1 Street
S.E., and west on 5 Avenue, then south on Centre Street to
bypass the closure, returning to normal routing on 6 Avenue.


Variable message signs will be installed to advise motorists
of the closure well in advance. Westbound commuters are
advised to use 4 Avenue and Riverfront Avenue. Motorists
originating in the south will be directed to use 11 Avenue.
Traffic on 6 Avenue will return to normal four-lane
operations west of Centre Street.  
In addition to using Calgary Transit or the detour routes,
commuters are encouraged to consider alternate methods of
transportation during the closure. The City’s “Escape the
Rush” transportation demand management program encourages
commuters to help reduce traffic congestion by choosing
alternate modes of transportation or altering their travel
times. The program will be enhanced through the installation
of more bicycle lockers, additional cycle route planning to
the downtown area, the use of pedestrian countdown timers and
new parking management initiatives.

For Information about the closure, duration, detour routes,
accommodation for Calgary Transit customers, traffic control
enhancements and suggested alternative travel modes, follow
the links on The City’s website at www.calgary.ca or
telephone The City’s 3-1-1 information service.
Please direct inquiries about the construction of The Bow to
Jacquelynn Twarzynski at 403.808.2161.

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Public Email Contact: 

    3-1-1contactus@calgary.ca

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