A Functional Planning Study is an early-stage planning document to provide recommendations about the future design of transportation infrastructure.

This study is an important step in ensuring that the supporting infrastructure is approved to support future neighbourhood development.

The interchange location and general configuration have been considered in previous studies and plans, such as the West View Area Structure Plan. The functional plan for the West View interchange is the next step to formalize the design and budget for the interchange.

FPS Quick Facts

• The primary purpose is to look into the future, identify the land required for infrastructure and develop an estimated cost.
• These plans look at future transportation requirements to support area connectivity.
• An FPS is concluded with a final recommended plan. Recommended plans are often unfunded with no fixed dates for construction.
• Recommendations from studies enable funding discussions along with other infrastructure to support the approved future communities and enhance connectivity to existing communities.
• Most recommended plans are estimated to be implemented in 10 to 30 years but can be implemented sooner or later depending on market conditions and ability to secure funding.

Melcor Developments and Qualico Communities have partnered with The City of Calgary, Rocky View County, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to develop a functional plan for a new interchange connection along Highway 1/TransCanada Highway located east of Old Banff Coach Road and west of the neighbourhoods of Valley Ridge and Crestmont incorporating all modes of transportation. The interchange will provide access to new and existing neighbourhoods west of Valley Ridge and Crestmont.

Primary goals include:

• Develop a functional design for a new interchange to provide access to the approved residential development within the West View Area Structure Plan.
• To confirm Road Right-Of-Way requirements for the Interchange infrastructure (potential items such as bridges, roads, walls and ponds)
• Define potential infrastructure costs for budgeting purposed to potentially secure funding for implementation of the interchange in 5-10 years.
• Incorporate safety and best practices considering all travel modes in the study area.

An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a long-term planning document that guides the growth and development of undeveloped lands into a complete community. The ASPs are the first step in setting general land use concepts and establishing overarching planning policies that guide the development of unserviced lands within Calgary’s city limits. The West View ASP was approved by Calgary City Council on February 24, 2020.

As part of the Area Structure Plan process, the project team completed a half interchange concept (that provides access to / from the east towards Calgary) that received an “Approval in Principle” status from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors. Since this initial concept work and through the completion of the West Calgary Ring Road, the TransCanada Highway / 16 Avenue has changed through the study area.

Additionally, a transportation impact assessment was carried out in March 2022 to determine the infrastructure needed to support future traffic generated in the area once the neighbourhoods are built.

This functional planning project is the next step towards finalizing requirements for the interchange. Proposed options and a recommended plan will be developed by the project team and shared with the public for input in Fall 2024 and early 2025 respectively. More details about the engagement process are below.

The new interchange will provide access to the new residential neighbourhoods west of Valley Ridge and Crestmont. These new neighbourhoods were approved as part of the West View Area Structure Plan.

Developing a functional design and capital cost estimate for the interchange provides the necessary information to City Administration and Council to make decision about capital funding and timing. The project does not include funding for detailed design or construction.

As part of this project, environmental studies are being conducted by the developer to assess the potential impacts and mitigation measures for the interchange. The environmental studies for this project include:

• Preliminary Natural Site Assessment (PNSA),
• Level 1 Biophysical Impact Assessment (BIA),
• Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA),
• Historical Resource Overview (HRO); and,
• Geotechnical Desktop Study

These studies will help identify any constraints that may affect the interchange design and to ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

Using technical analysis in Phase 1 and 2, we have developed options to share with the public for review and feedback in Phase 2. In Phase 2, we are currently in the first round of engagement, where we will present the developed options to the public, answer questions, and take feedback over the fall of 2024. Feedback received during this round of engagement will be used to develop a draft recommended plan in Phase 3, which will be shared with the public for comment in the next round of engagement in early 2025.

Engagement feedback along with technical requirements, best practices, area plans and policies, and budget will be used to develop the final recommended plan.

In the first round of engagement, underway now (fall 2024), the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on interchange design options at an in-person open house or online.

The in-person engagement will take place on September 17, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Crestmont Hall (12400 Crestmont Blvd SW). Public input can also be submitted through the online feedback tool from September 9-23, 2024 through the online input tool by visiting engage.calgary.ca/westview

The second round of engagement will follow a similar format and will take place in early 2025.

Feedback received during Phase 2 will be used by the project team to refine the concepts and to develop a recommended plan. The draft recommended plan will be shared with the public to gather further input in Phase 3 (January 2025) before the plan is finalized.

The project team will develop a What We Heard report summarizing each round of engagement, which will be published on the project website at engage.calgary.ca/westview

Traffic volumes and patterns in the area are expected to increase due to the ongoing development and growth of Westview and surrounding communities. The interchange will improve the traffic flow and safety on Highway 16 and Westview Boulevard, as well as provide better access to the Westview Business Park and future residential areas.

There are multiple existing and planned pathways within and adjacent to the West View Interchange study area. The interchange will improve linkages to Valley Ridge and Crestmont communities to the Regional Pathway system.

Transit is a high-priority mode of transportation as it provides affordable and sustainable mobility options for the community. The Plan Area allows opportunities for future transit service to connect with adjacent communities in west Calgary and throughout the city.

A full interchange is not possible due to spacing constraints from the existing interchanges at Stoney Trail and Range Road 31, therefore all directional access, including access to and from the west, is not possible. Recognizing these constraints, the half interchange has received an “Approval in Principle” status from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.

Traffic flow on the south side of Highway 1 during construction of the half interchange will be managed based on further review and instruction from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridor (TEC). Speed limits, detours, and other traffic management practices will follow policies outlined by TEC. Impacts to traffic flow are expected to be minimal on the north side of Highway 1.

Concerning site construction and residential development impacts on traffic, please direct your questions and concerns to Qualico Communities.