Phase 3: Preliminary Design Reveal
We are excited to share the preliminary concept design for 90 Ave and Acadia Drive S.E. for the Ward 11 communities of Acadia, Maple Ridge, and Willow Park. We appreciate everyone who gave their input in Phase 1 and 2 of this project, as your valuable feedback helped us create this design.
What we are showing you now is the early design, meaning it is a preliminary 30% design. Although the core pieces of the design such as the safety improvement measures and the multi-use pathway will remain the same, there’s still room for some minor and localized adjustments.
Please see the video for information on the overall improvements and changes. Or click on the buttons below for more detailed information on each individual segment.
The 90 Avenue/Acadia Drive Mobility Improvements project focuses on safety, connectivity and accessibility in S.E. Calgary, by adding traffic safety improvements, traffic calming measures, and pathway infrastructure to three Ward 11 communities: Acadia, Maple Ridge, and Willow Park.
Safety improvements will include enhanced crosswalks, curb extensions, a lower speed limit, upgraded signals, signage, and lighting. A multi-use pathway will be added along the north and east side of the corridor, to separate those walking, wheeling, and cycling from motor vehicles.
There will be some impacts on parking along the route to make room for safety improvements such as road narrowing and the multi-use pathway. Overall parking supply in the design concept is still more than 2.5 times current demand. Where space is limited, the project team has chosen to retain trees rather than parking.
90 Avenue/Acadia Drive S.E. has been identified as a high-harm corridor with frequent occurrences of serious collisions. In alignment with the Safer Collector Framework, City Council has provided directives to reduce the speed limit to 40 km/h and implement design changes to enhance safety on both collector and residential streets.
The Heritage Communities Local Area Plan also identified 90 Avenue and Acadia Dr. S.E. as Community Connectors that link several Neighbourhood Activity Centres within the communities of Acadia, Maple Ridge and Willow Park. To enhance pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, comfort and safety, the Heritage Local Area Plan states that the design for this mobility corridor should consider:
The project team will be finalizing project cost during detailed design and seeking funding in the 2027-2030 budget cycle for construction. There is currently no funding construction.
As the project progresses, we will keep talking with nearby residents and property owners to share updates and answer questions.
If you are having trouble with the map, you can use links below instead.
Segment 1: Macleod Tr S to Fairmount Dr S.E.
Segment 2: Fairmount Dr S.E. to Southland Dr S.E.
Segment 3: Southland Dr S.E. to Anderson Rd S.E.
Many area residents identified safety issues with speeding along the route, reporting collisions and “near misses” at key intersections, near schools, and around activity centres.
We are introducing safety measures such as reducing speed limits from 50 km/hr to 40 km/hr, designing safer crosswalks and intersections, narrowing roads, and adding other safety features to help prevent accidents.
Feedback indicated a desire for more walking and wheeling options in the community, to create better connections and accessibility to major destinations for all ages and abilities.
The project features a multi-use pathway along the north side of 90 Avenue and the east side of Acadia Drive, offering safe mobility options for people walking, wheeling and biking. These routes are separated from vehicles reducing exposure for active modes and more predictability for drivers.
We heard that better lighting is needed at crosswalks and intersections.
Lighting along the corridor was reviewed during the data collection process with recommendations to improve conditions. Some street lighting will need to be relocated and additional streetlighting upgrades will be finalized during the detailed design stage.
There was mixed feedback about on-street parking in each of the three segments of the route.
There will be some impacts on parking along the route to make room for safety improvements such as road narrowing and the multi-use pathway. Overall parking supply in the design concept is still more than 2.5 times current demand.
Area residents feel strongly about keeping the mature trees along the route, which add greenery, character, and shade to this established neighbourhood.
We have prioritized preserving trees wherever possible, but some removal will be necessary. Recognizing that disturbing roots can harm tree health, we chose to remove parking rather than compromise the trees with changes to the existing boulevard. Impacts on trees will be looked at more closely in the detailed design stage.
Some residents questioned the need for the project and why The City is spending money on projects like this.
These improvements are a high-priority and cost-effective way to address safety concerns. This route has been identified as a high harm area, given the number of collisions and injuries on the road. Mobility improvements will also provide better access and connections in the community. We will coordinate construction and costs with planned repaving of the corridor to save money.
Click on any of the tabs to view previous engagement.
Welcome to Phase 2 Engagement. The 90 Ave / Acadia Drive S.E. Mobility Improvements project aims to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity in S.E. Calgary. Based on feedback received during Phase 1, the project team has developed multiple concept options for three defined Study Areas along the route, with added spot improvements for the entire corridor.
Your input on these concept options will help shape how people move through the corridor in the future – whether you walk, wheel, drive or take transit.
Below is an image of the corridor displaying the three study areas with sample cross sections A through E. Please use the tabs below to review the options and provide your feedback in the survey located at the bottom of each study area tab.
In addition, several spot improvements are being recommended along the entire corridor, regardless of the concept option chosen. Using the Spot Improvements tab, please tell us your thoughts on these improvements.
During Phase 1 Engagement, The City asked for feedback from the public on how they currently use 90 Avenue and Acadia Drive S.E., plus the opportunities and challenges along the corridor.
Below is a summary of what we heard and how this input has been considered in the concept options presented for Phase 2. For a PDF version of the table below, click here.
Key Theme | What We Heard | How We Incorporated Feedback into the Suggested Options |
Traffic speeds and volumes | High vehicle speeds were identified throughout the corridor. 90 Avenue was identified as an area with a lot of congestion due to higher traffic volumes. | In all concept options, the travel lanes have been narrowed by shifting the road curb. When travel lanes are narrower, vehicles travel slower. While none of the options provide more vehicle lanes (i.e. increasing vehicle capacity) due to the lack of space available, they do provide alternative travel options. |
Vegetation | Desire to keep the street trees along Acadia Drive | All concept options ensure that the existing street trees are maintained. In some options, a small number of trees may need to be removed to accommodate parking or bus stops. However, we will work to minimize these situations. |
Collisions and near-misses | Lack of visibility and safety of pedestrians at mid-block and signalized crossings were identified. Several comments were received on the lack of sight lines at driveways. | Curb extensions are proposed at all signalized intersections as well as existing and proposed mid-block crossings. This will decrease the distance required for people walking to cross the road and improve the line of sight between pedestrians and motorists. At some driveway locations, curb extensions are proposed to prevent on-street parking too close to the driveway entrances, improving sight distances. Although further review is required to understand impacts and determine suitability, several side streets that are currently controlled by yield signs are suggested to be replaced with stop signs. |
Walkability and pedestrian focus | Concerns over inadequate sidewalks and pedestrian accommodation. | Concept options 1 and 3 show wider sidewalks (compared to existing) on the north and east side of the corridor along 90 Avenue. Concept option 2 does not propose any changes to the existing pedestrian space. The existing sidewalks had to be maintained throughout the remainder of the corridor to ensure trees were not negatively impacted. New curb ramps are shown at all road crossings as well as new paint at existing painted crosswalks. |
Several spot improvements are being recommended along the corridor, regardless of the concept option chosen. For a more detailed explanation of these potential improvements along the route, click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons. Please provide your feedback in the survey below.
For a list format of the potential spot improvements, click the following link: Spot Improvements
Study Area 1 is approximately 860m and stretches from Macleod Trail S to Fairmount Drive S.E. This is the busiest section of the corridor with a mix of commercial, residential and institutional land uses. Key destinations along this section include Newport Village Shopping Centre (where the A&W is), Acadia Recreation Complex, Alberta Tennis Centre, Lord Beaverbrook High School, and several multi-family housing complexes.
| What we heard in Phase 1: This is a high traffic, high density housing and community activity area, with participants mostly noting concerns of parked vehicles on both sides of the street reducing mobility, visibility, and safety. Some solutions proposed for this area included angle parking, improved lighting, an upgraded crosswalk, and traffic calming measures. | How we used your feedback: In option 1 and option 3, curb extensions are proposed at all signalized intersections as well as existing and proposed mid-block crossings to decrease the walking distance required to cross the road. This will improve the line of sight between pedestrians and motorists. At some driveway locations, curb extensions are provided to prevent on-street parking too close to driveway accesses to improve sight lines in this area. All concept options include improvements to curb ramps and repainting existing crosswalks. An illumination review helped to determine existing lighting levels along the corridor. Improvements to lighting will be confirmed at a later stage and are independent of the option chosen. Lighting improvements will be subject to available funding. The angled parking that was suggested in Phase 1 was not included in the options because it conflicted with other identified issues: Angled parking reduces sight lines and safety more than on-street parallel parking. |
Please review the following design concepts and provide your feedback in the survey below.
The existing road provides sidewalks on both sides of the road and one vehicle travel lane in each direction. Further, on-street parking is permitted along both sides of the road for most of the Study Area and there are no significant street trees within the road right-of-way. Study Area 1 has three sections:
In Option 1, a multi-use pathway has been added on the north side of the road in the boulevard space in all 3 sections (A, B-1 and B-2) of Study Area 1. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 1 - Option 1 - Key Features.
In Option 2, on-street uni-directional bike lanes have been added on both sides of the road in all 3 sections (A, B-1 and B-2) of Study Area 1. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling, and separate road users by speed. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 1 - Option 2 - Key Features
In Option 3, raised uni-directional bike paths have been added on both sides of the road in the boulevard space in all 3 sections (A, B-1 and B-2) of Study Area 1. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling, offering separation from vehicular traffic. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 1 - Option 3 - Key Features
Study Area 2 is approximately 1.5km and stretches from Fairmount Drive S.E. to Southland Drive S.E. The land use is predominantly single-family residential with two small commercial plazas. There are several churches, schools and daycares within walking distance of this Study Area that highlight the importance of enhancing pedestrian connections and improving bicycle facilities in the area.
| What we heard in Phase 1: This area includes two neighbourhood schools. Participants noted concerns of poor lighting in this area, accessibility challenges, crosswalk issues and general safety concerns such as speeding and reduced visibility. Suggestions proposed by participants included a more accessible crosswalk with ramps. Lighting to improve mobility and safety. Traffic calming measures, as well as a 3-way stop, were suggested. | How we used your feedback: To improve accessibility, all options include improvements to curb ramps and repainting existing crosswalks. All concept options reduce the width of the vehicle travel lanes, encouraging slower speeds. An illumination review helped to determine existing lighting levels along the corridor. Improvements to lighting will be confirmed at a later stage and are independent of the option chosen. Lighting improvements will be subject to available funding. A three-way stop was suggested by participants in Phase 1. Due to the high vehicular volumes on Acadia Drive, a three-way stop could cause major delays and queues. Compliance at the three-way stop would also be a concern.
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Please review the following design concepts and provide your feedback in the survey below.
The road features one travel lane in each direction, with on-street parking permitted on both sides. Sidewalks, on both sides of the road, are separated from the roadway by tree-lined boulevards. There are only a few driveway accesses that provide direct access to Acadia Drive from the residential properties along the Study Area in addition to the commercial area accesses.
In Option 1, a multi-use pathway has been added on the north side of the road in the boulevard space as shown in Section C of Study Area 2. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 2 - Option 1 - Key Features
In Option 2, on-street uni-directional bike lanes have been added on both sides of the road as shown in cross-Section C of Study Area 2. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling, and separate road users by speed. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 2 - Option 2 - Key Features
In Option 3, raised uni-directional bike paths have been added on both sides of the road in the boulevard space as shown in cross-section C of Study Area 2. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling, offering separation from vehicular traffic. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 2 - Option 3 - Key Features
Study Area 3 is approximately 2km and stretches from Southland Drive S.E. to Anderson Road S.E. Similar to Study Area 2, the land use in this Study Area is predominantly single-family residential with two commercial areas that mainly service the local area. There are also several churches, schools, and daycares within walking distance that highlight the importance of enhancing pedestrian connections and improving bicycle facilities in the area.
| What we heard in Phase 1: Speeding is one of the main concerns for this area. There are concerns for cyclists and motorists needing to merge lanes that reduces safety. Suggestions from participants included increasing the sidewalk size to allow space for cyclists and pedestrians. Improving curb ramps and sidewalk alignment, as well as increasing time for people with reduced mobility to make a safer crossing, were suggested by participants. | How we used your feedback: All concept options for this study area will improve accessibility by providing new directional curb ramps and repainting existing crosswalks. Option 1 and option 2 reduce the width of the vehicle travel lanes, encouraging slower speeds. Option 3 includes two options for incorporating the off-street bike paths. To save on construction costs, the curbs are either kept the same as existing or only moved slightly to prevent regrading of the road. Neither option will narrow both vehicle travel lanes enough to ensure a reduction in vehicle travel speeds. Signal timings throughout the corridor will be reviewed to ensure pedestrian crossing times are sufficient given the area demographics of young children and older adults. |
Please review the following design concepts and provide your feedback in the survey below.
The road features one travel lane in each direction, with on-street parking permitted on both sides. Sidewalks, on both sides of the road, are separated from the roadway by wide, tree-lined boulevards. There are only a few driveway accesses that provide direct access to Acadia Drive from the residential properties along the Study Area in addition to the commercial area accesses. Closer to Anderson Road, south of Mapleglade Drive, Acadia Drive transitions to a collector road. The right-of-way widens to provide two vehicle travel lanes in each direction separated by a median. The sidewalks continue along both sides of the road while on-street parking is not permitted in this area. Study Area 3 has two sections:
In Option 1, a multi-use pathway has been added on the north side of the road in the boulevard space in both sections (D and E) of Study Area 3. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 3 - Option 1 - Key Features
In Option 2, on-street uni-directional bike lanes have been added on both sides of the road in both sections (D and E) of Study Area 3. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling, and separate road users by speed. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 3 - Option 2 - Key Features
In Option 3, raised uni-directional bike paths have been added on both sides of the road in the boulevard space in both sections (D and E) of Study Area 3. This is intended to create sufficient space for safe walking and wheeling, offering separation from vehicular traffic. For more information about other key features and changes from the existing section of the corridor, see the interactive hotspot maps below.
Please click on the flashing 'hotspot' icons for a brief description of key features and changes. For a list format of the key features, click the following link: Study Area 3 - Option 3 - Key Features
What are we doing?
The 90 Ave / Acadia Drive S.E. mobility improvement project will improve connectivity and safety in S.E. Calgary by adding cycling and pathway infrastructure and traffic calming measures to the Ward 11communities of Acadia, Maple Ridge, and Willow Park.
This project will focus on mobility improvements, safety, and accessibility as key considerations for local communities.
Why are we doing it?
Calgarians have told us that their walkways, pathways, and bike lanes need to provide safe, affordable, sustainable, and healthy transportation options year-round. The intention is to enhance the accessibility and vibrancy of connections to destinations in the project area.
90 Avenue S.E. and Acadia Drive S.E. serve as vital links between the Macleod Trail S Urban Main Street Area and the neighbourhoods of Acadia, Willow Park, and Maple Ridge. These streets function as Community Corridors, connecting several Neighbourhood Activity Centres.
The proposed improvements aim to enhance connectivity not only within the communities on the east side of Macleod Trail S but also the Urban Main Street, Community Corridor, and Activity Centre growth areas outlined in the Heritage Communities Local Area Plan (LAP).
To enhance pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, comfort, and safety, the Heritage LAP states that the design for this mobility corridor should consider the following:
i. Investigate the possibility of transforming one or both sidewalks into multi-use pathways or dedicated cycling infrastructure.
ii. Enhance pedestrian crossings over 90 Avenue S.E. and Acadia Drive S.E. with features such as curb extensions and rectangular rapid flashing beacons.
The 90 Avenue / Acadia Drive S.E corridor has also been identified as an area with frequent occurrences of serious collisions. In alignment with the Safer Collector Framework, the Council has provided directives to reduce the speed limit to 40 km/hr and implement design changes to enhance safety on both collector and residential streets.
Thank you to those who participated!
Think about the experiences of people with mobility challenges, parents with strollers / young children, students, and seniors travelling in the community. If we consider improvements for the most vulnerable it will make the community safer and more accessible for all. We would also like to provide more active transportation options (walking and wheeling) where possible to connect destinations.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Note: comments are pre-moderated - harassing, abusive, or non-inclusive speech won't be posted.
13 January, 2025
Anonymous says:
The sidewalks have not been maintained for decades. Tree roots lift the concrete creating uneven tripping and pooling hazards.
13 January, 2025
Anonymous says:
The traffic along Acadia Drive is excessively fast. We have had people lose control. The boulevard was the only thing that saved our home.
2 January, 2025
Anonymous says:
Please coordinate improvements with property owners along 90ave/Acadia Drive to get the best final product.
2 January, 2025
Anonymous says:
intersection of 90ave & Bonaventure Dr needs left turn lanes, many close calls were witnessed.
30 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Stop This Nonsense. Accessibility (5%) and connectivity is not required. You are wasting tax payer money and cluttering our streets.
30 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Help me understand why you believe these will improve the safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the area?
30 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
With all the schools in this area with such close access to Acadia drive. You couldn't pick a better location to do this in the SE.
29 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
There is not enough city garbage cans of large enough volume for residents and students travelling to the neighbourhood to use.
28 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
priorities seems to b the issue here. 20 mi if that is true is excessive to spend if taxes continue to rise. Paving & safety on existing rds
28 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Bus lanes on fairmount so create turn ins so they dont block traffic - even if you use acadia pool area when the school lets out.
27 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
This needs to extend through Lake Bonavista to Fish Creek park. Why is it stopping at Anderson? Access to Fish Creek opens up the mobility.
27 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Looking at improving traffic flow, reducing the east west blockages.Nobody outside these places cares about their paths, but we can't move!
27 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
If te city is considering safety around bike lanes, they may consider adding solar lights on the park paths. No more paths on the road.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Elevated crosswalk between ARC and Tennis. Will prove ped crossing and slow vehicular traffic
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Angle parking in front of Tennis Centre
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Fairmount Drive is a better north south connection for bike infrastructure.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
It is a waste of money and time to add bike lanes in this area.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Use rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB). They are good for kids and people pay more attention.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
A separated cycle track is preferred. Either separated by median or elevated.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Please make sure that there is adequate snow and ice control if you are putting this infrastructure in.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Safety is # 1. Prefer protected bike lane or multi-use pathway
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
The sidewalks could be wider to accommodate both bikes and pedestrians.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Wider sidewalks would help a lot. Especially near seniors homes.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Separated bike infrastructure is preferred as its uncomfortable when bikes and scooters are zooming by
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Would like City to consider traffic calming / barriers near crosswalks to make them safer.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Please install more seating near Lord Beaverbrook High School. People walk in area, and there is no place to sit other than bus benches.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Please make sure that the pathways and sidewalks are accessible for people in wheelchairs.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
People drive too fast in the area. More enforcement is needed for speeding.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Better snow removal please.
26 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
The sidewalks in the area need to be better. Wider!
25 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
Plus me and my kids won't be clipped by truck mirrors as has happened multiple times.
25 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
A bike lane along Acadia to Beaverbrook then down Fairmount would be amazing, as kids would be able to get to school without needing a drive
25 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
The walk path is barely big enough for 2 people +dogs, why don’t you make it bigger for everyone including bikes to use?
25 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
As a senior this plan makes me absolutely furious!!!!!! Fix the darn roads, CLear the darn snow! Look after what we have now!!!!
25 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
You are harming seniors with this plan! Snow covered roads are impossible to cross. Seniors will be stuck at home all winter!!!!!
25 September, 2024
Anonymous says:
140 characters is a joke. it prevents any significant input or content. I ask anyone to try to say something worthwhile here. This is 140
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, The City of Calgary acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. The city of Calgary is also homeland to the Métis Nation Battle River Territory – Nose Hill Métis Region 5 & Elbow River District 6. I acknowledge and give gratitude to the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who live here and call Calgary home.
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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 |
