Calgary completes first short-term project for North Central BRT improvements

Work has been completed on the first of several projects designed to improve transit connections in north central Calgary, Alberta, and prepare for future light-rail service on the Green Line.

The city of Calgary says crews have completed C$2.5 million (US$1.95 million) in improvements to the North Pointe Park and Ride Lot in Country Hills Village. The work began in 2021 and includes a new lot entrance, pedestrian sidewalks, new lighting, three additional bus shelters and a cut-through transit lane to help streamline bus service in the lot.

Additionally, four off-street bus stops have been added to accommodate local routes as the north Calgary community continues to grow. The city says the terminal will facilitate transfers from local routes to the 301 BRT, Route 8 and Route 100 for cross-town trips, offering better connections for transit users and expanded service capacity.

“This project is a great first step towards improving transit service now and in the future for communities in north Calgary – including those north of Stoney Trail,” said Project Manager Brian Tang. “With construction now complete, we will begin to plan for future projects and look forward to implementing more improvements along the North Central BRT route over the coming years.”

The North Pointe Park and Ride Lot is the first recommended short-term North Central Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improvement project, which is funded by the Green Line LRT Project. The group of projects was approved by the Green Line Committee in May 2021 and includes short-, medium- and long-term project recommendations designed to improve transit from Centre Street to 160 Avenue N., while preparing for the future transition to the Green Line LRT. Project recommendations over the next five years include improvements to bus-only lanes, intersections and bus priority, as well as pedestrian and wheeling accessibility at various locations along the BRT line.

“Green Line has committed C$50 million (US$38.91 million) to improve Bus Rapid Transit in north central Calgary to augment transit connectivity between downtown and the north central communities in the short-, medium- and long-term,” said Darshpreet Bhatti, CEO, Green Line. “These improvements will also support the future transition to LRT along the corridor as funding is committed and the full 46-km vision for the Green Line LRT is realized.”

The detailed design process for additional short-term projects along the North Central BRT route, including intersection improvements and MAX-style stations, is expected to begin in 2022, with construction moving forward as funding becomes available.