A 56-year-old bridge just outside Calgary is finally getting replaced
A well-travelled bridge just outside Calgary is finally getting replaced after serving the community for over 50 years.
The bridge is located over the Elbow River on Highway 8 and was constructed in 1970. According to the Alberta government, āThe existing bridge, completed in 1970, is at the end of its service life and does not meet current highway standards or future highway needs.ā
The goal for the new bridge is to improve safety and provide two lanes of eastbound traffic over the Elbow River. Construction of the project began in the summer of 2025 and is expected to continue until fall 2026.Ā
Starting on Sept. 28, 2025, crews have been working 24/7 on the site. The overnight work is intended to advance as much as possible throughout the construction period. It states that nearby residents may still experience noise from the work area.
The project includes the demolition and disposal of the existing bridge, construction of the new bridge, and the completion of Highway 8 twinning from west of Lott Creek Boulevard to the Calgary city limits.Ā
During the construction period, drivers can expect reduced lanes and lane width, changing traffic patterns, the presence of machinery, temporary barriers, and speed reductions.Ā
āSpeed limit reductions may remain in place even when construction workers might not be on-site,ā the website states.
The westbound bridge underwent construction a couple of years ago as a part of the southwest Calgary ring road project, wrapping up in 2021, and was renamed the Stu Hart Memorial Bridge after the Canadian wrestling legend.Ā
You can read more about the project online.
The bridge isn’t the only new thing coming to Calgary. A new Costco location is in the works near the city, as well as a brand-new hotel in Stampede Park.