Construction on Calgary’s southwest ring road is set to begin this spring after the province announced that contracts have been signed for two segments.

The 11 km road project is divided into three segments: the south that connects with the Southwest Calgary Ring Road, the north that meets the Trans-Canada Highway and a new bridge across the Bow River.

EllisDon was awarded the contract for the north segment, running between Old Banff Coach Road and the Trans-Canada Highway, while the West Bow River Bridge twinning project will be built by Flatiron and AECON.

“We look forward to working with our partner, Flatiron, to successfully and safely execute this important project for Albertans. This project will be a key component in the completion of Calgary’s ring road, providing vital infrastructure for the growing Calgary area,” said Jean-Louis Sevranckx, president and CEO, Aecon Group Inc.

Between now and 2022, the north segment of the West Calgary Ring Road will support 2,393 jobs, while the West Bow River Bridge will support 300 jobs.

“EllisDon is proud to be selected to build this important piece of infrastructure for the province of Alberta,” said Jeff Fox, senior vice-president and area manager of EllisDon Calgary. “We’re looking forward to delivering the next stretch of the 101-kilometre ring road, providing better free-flow access around the City of Calgary.”

The province will be issuing Request for Qualifications for the south segment of the West Calgary Ring Road, between Highway 8 and Old Banff Coach Road. A contractor is expected to be in place for the 2020 construction season.

The West Calgary Ring Road will be open during fall 2022, one year following the expected completion of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road project. When complete, the entire Calgary Ring Road will provide travellers with 101 kilometres of free-flow travel.