5th Avenue lane reversal starts in downtown Calgary pilot project

Calgary motorists now have a new option for heading westbound out of the downtown core starting Tuesday afternoon.

• Downtown lane reversal plan in Calgary to create 2-way streets

Two lanes of Fifth Avenue S.W. which is traditionally five lanes of eastbound traffic willallow for westbound traffic between Seventh Street S.W. and approximately 11thStreet S.W. from 3:30-6:30 p.m. MT on weekdaysfor the next six months, except holidays.

"This lane reversal will help to improve mobility by accommodating approximately 600 vehicles per hour on an alternative westbound route," saidTroy Mcleod, the city's director of roads.

"As a result, it will reduce congestion on Fourthand Sixth avenues southwest, which will improve traffic flow out of downtown for all vehicles, including transit."

Motorists in the left westbound lane will turn south onto 10th Street S.W., while motorists in the right westbound lane will continue to a new traffic light at Fifth Avenueand the ramp to Bow Trail S.W.

"It is important that citizenspay close attention to all signage along the lane reversal route," saidMcLeod.

The lane reversal will be in place for approximately six months as a pilot project.