New Ivor Strong Bridge Set to Open as Major Deerfoot Trail Upgrades Move Forward

A major milestone has been reached in Alberta’s largest highway improvement initiative, with the new Ivor Strong Bridge scheduled to open to traffic on July 27 as work continues on the extensive modernization of Calgary’s Deerfoot Trail.

Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors announced that the new bridge will open on schedule as part of the province’s approximately $700 million Deerfoot Trail improvement project. Officials say the opening marks another significant step toward easing congestion and improving traffic flow along Alberta’s busiest highway.

Once vehicles are diverted onto the newly completed bridge, construction crews will begin rehabilitating the existing Ivor Strong Bridge. When both structures are fully completed, the new bridge will carry all southbound traffic while the rehabilitated bridge will serve northbound traffic, providing four lanes in each direction and significantly increasing capacity for commuters.

Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the overall project is designed to reduce congestion, improve safety and create a more efficient transportation corridor for the thousands of drivers who rely on Deerfoot Trail every day. The province estimates commuters could see travel times reduced by approximately 20 percent once the entire project is completed.

Deerfoot Trail carries as many as 180,000 vehicles daily, making it Alberta’s busiest highway and one of Calgary’s most important transportation routes. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the roadway was designed for a much smaller population. Since then, Calgary has experienced substantial growth, increasing pressure on the highway and highlighting the need for major infrastructure upgrades.

Construction continues across several sections of the corridor. Work remains underway at the Anderson Road and Bow Bottom Trail interchange, where crews are completing bridge construction with the intersection expected to be finished this fall.

At Southland Drive, installation of bridge girders has been completed and crews are preparing for the widening of Deerfoot Trail. The upgraded Southland interchange is also expected to open later this fall.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation continues on the existing southbound Glenmore Trail bridge, where crews are removing deteriorated concrete, installing temporary structural supports and preparing new barrier walls. That section of the project is expected to be completed in early spring 2027.

Several northern improvements have already been finished, including upgrades at 64 Avenue N.E., Beddington Trail N.W. and 11 Street N.E., McKnight Boulevard N.E. and 16 Avenue N.E., improving traffic movement through some of Calgary’s busiest intersections.

The full Deerfoot Trail improvement program includes approximately 70 kilometres of roadway resurfacing, 40 kilometres of lane widening, 20 kilometres of new concrete safety barriers, construction of seven new bridges and rehabilitation of two existing bridges.

Drivers are being advised to expect changing traffic patterns throughout 2026 and 2027 as construction progresses. The province says much of the work is being scheduled during overnight hours to minimize disruptions for commuters.

Transportation experts note that balancing provincial and municipal priorities remains an important consideration throughout the project. While the province’s focus is largely on improving highway capacity, freight movement and regional transportation, city planners often place greater emphasis on local accessibility and community connections.

Despite differing priorities, transportation specialists acknowledge that additional lanes and redesigned interchanges can improve safety by reducing lane weaving and traffic conflicts while accommodating Calgary’s continued population growth.

The Deerfoot Trail improvements began construction in 2023 following a comprehensive planning study conducted jointly by the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary. Provincial officials expect the entire project to be completed by late 2027, with all phases scheduled to be fully open to traffic by October of that year.