Phase 1 was open from February 13 to March 9 and April 24 to May 9, 2025. We are now pleased to share what we heard and what we did with the feedback.
This study will compare two types of interchanges at 210 Avenue S., to find the best design to effectively use City-owned land and that allows traffic to flow smoothly. The study will focus on a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) design and a Partial Cloverleaf (Parclo) design. The interchange design concepts will be technical infrastructure designs with architectural constraints.
As our city continues to grow, we are planning infrastructure to accommodate Calgarians in future southwest communities as well as transit and recreational developments. This year we will be conducting a planning study to identify the footprint and type of possible interchange and outline options for the intersection of Macleod Trail and 210 Avenue S. The recommendations from the 210 Avenue S interchange study will help support the West Macleod Outline Plan application for the development of 215 hectares of land located south of Stoney Trail SW and west of Macleod Trail SW.
This project and the feedback we are gathering is in relation to the interchange at 210 Avenue and Macleod Tr S.
For information or comments on the 194 Avenue interchange or West Macleod outline plan projects, please see their project pages below:
The Engage website featured a survey that was open from February 13 to March 9, as well as April 24 to May 9, 2025.
In-person events were hosted on February 5, February 22 and March 1, 2025.
Less support for a partial cloverleaf interchange / Parclo (30% of participants)
Those in support believed that:
Significant support for a diverging diamond interchange / DDI (67% of participants)
Those in support believed that:
Scroll up and select "Phase 2: What We Did" tab to see the recommended design
Diverging diamond interchange
A diverging diamond interchange is recommended to replace the existing at-grade intersection at Macleod Trail and 210 Avenue S. The recommended plans are supported by a robust Multiple Account Evaluation and reflects the community input received during the Explore Phase of engagement. Click the above images to view the design.
1. Left-turning vehicles can access Macleod Trail without waiting for a signal or crossing oncoming traffic.
2. Signalized dual left and right turns are provided for drivers entering 210 Avenue S to improve safety and operations at the intersections.
3. Dual lane ramps on the north side of the interchange accommodate higher weekday traffic volumes.
4. There are opportunities to expand the interchange in the future if traffic volumes grow beyond the current expectations.
5. Pathways are included on both sides of 210 Avenue S and allow users to cross 210 Avenue S as they cross the interchange, which improves access to amenities on all sides of the interchange for active users.
6. The DDI fits within land designated for roadway expansion in the proposed West Macleod Outline Plan maximizing the space available for new housing development vs. the partial cloverleaf interchange.
7. Once a stormwater management facility is confirmed, surplus land southeast of the interchange can be considered for future development opportunities.
The project team used a Multiple Accounts Evaluation (MAE) process to evaluate the options being considered for the Macleod Trail and 210 Avenue Interchange. This process uses technical criteria in five categories: finance, environment, user benefits, community sustainability, and economy. Through this process Option 2: Diverging Diamond Interchange, was selected as the recommended option.
A noise study is being conducted as part of the functional planning study. The noise study will help identify locations where noise thresholds are reached and noise mitigation will be considered in future phases of design. More information about possible noise mitigation measures will be shared with property owners once the project is funded and moves into the next phase of design. In the design phase more details will be available about the location, type, and configuration of noise mitigation options.
More information about The City’s Noise Barrier Program and noise level criteria under which noise barriers can be considered can be found here: https://www.calgary.ca/roads/noise-barriers.html
The key safety and efficiency benefit of a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is the removal of left and right turning movements from the crossover intersections. With turning movements removed from the crossover intersections, the traffic signals can operate on a short two-phase cycle, improving intersection safety and efficiency.
The crossover design of the DDI also slows vehicles down, reducing the severity of collisions if they occur. Slower speeds and adequate spacing to adjacent intersections gives drivers more time to make decisions when approaching and moving through the interchange.
In 2022 The City reviewed the traffic safety performance of the Macleod Trail SE / 162 Avenue SE DDI Interchange. After five years in operation, the data showed that total collisions had been reduced by 38% and injury collisions were reduced by 75% compared to collisions at the previous at-grade intersection. More information about this study can be found here: https://www.calgary.ca/roads/safety/diverging-diam...
Both interchange options considered for this study were designed to accommodate the projected growth in traffic at this location as development in the area continues. Since the options were presented during the Explore Phase, both ramps on the north side of the DDI interchange now include two lanes to accommodate the higher commuter traffic volumes at this location. The bridges across Macleod Trail for the DDI are also designed to be widened in the future if additional lanes are needed.
In a functional planning study developed in the early 2000’s, before the area communities were developed, a partial cloverleaf interchange was recommended at Macleod Trail and 210 Avenue S. Over the past two decades, the surrounding communities and supporting infrastructure were developed with this plan in mind. Development plans and priorities in this area also continued to evolve, and the current functional planning study builds on this prior work while also considering current and proposed land use changes and population growth in the area.
The current functional planning study focused on two types of interchanges: a partial cloverleaf interchange and a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). Both interchange types are capable of accommodating future traffic patterns and are compatible with the community development and infrastructure investments made to date. The current study determined that a DDI configuration best accommodates future growth and traffic patterns and is most reflective of community input. A DDI configuration also provides additional safety an traffic flow benefits over a partial cloverleaf configuration.
Other interchange types, such as a roundabout interchange or a full cloverleaf interchange, have not been considered in detail as they do not effectively accommodate the specific traffic patterns expected at this location in the future or they significantly impact the existing communities and infrastructure developed to date.
Click below to view the full public engagement report
A functional planning study is an early-stage planning document that provides recommendations about the future design of infrastructure.
Should the project be funded in the future, the recommended design concept would go to detailed design where the specifics and features would be designed in further detail.
The Macleod Trail and 210 Avenue S. interchange will aim to improve connectivity between communities and businesses on both sides of Macleod Trail.
We do not anticipate any impacts to traffic in the area during the study.
The two interchange design options were selected based on the available land in the area, the footprint of each design, architectural constraints and technical infrastructure designs.
Yes, one public engagement period was held in March and April 2025 and a second session June 2025.
The 210 Avenue South Interchange Functional Planning Study project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2025. If the project is funded in the future, construction of the project will be dependent on the timing of the funding.
The City is launching a functional planning study for a proposed 4 km south extension of the Red Line Light Rail Transit (LRT).
The City’s land development team is preparing a planning application to outline the proposed subdivision and development of 205 hectares of land west of Macleod Trail SW between Stoney Trail and 210 AV.
The City of Calgary is in the process of designing an interchange at Macleod Trail and 194 Avenue S.W.
Calgary's Area Structure Plans support the growth of new communities and their surrounding environment so they can be vibrant and thrive for decades to come.
You see the results of decisions made by The City of Calgary every day. Get involved and provide your input on City projects and programs. Together we can build a better city.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) |
|---|---|
| engage@calgary.ca | |
| Website | www.calgary.ca |
