Huge Calgary roundabout on tap for construction in 2026

A major Calgary roundabout that has been in operation for more than two decades is set to undergo some construction starting in 2026.

The McKenzie Towne Roundabout has been open since 1999 and was one of Canada’s first multi-lane roundabouts. 

The City says the roundabout has seen fewer major injury collisions compared to similar signalized intersections. “Roundabouts lower speeds and, because traffic flows in one direction, they eliminate places where vehicles cross paths,” the City said when speaking with Daily Hive.

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Since its opening, several safety improvements have already been added over the years, including revisions to traffic control in 2014, to help clarify the operation of a roundabout, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) that were installed in 2017. RRFBs are the bright flashing lights at crosswalks that make pedestrians more visible to drivers.

Resurfacing for the roundabout is currently planned for 2026 to 2027, and the City says other potential changes will be considered at that time. 

According to a traffic study done in 2019, roughly 16,500 cars and 318 pedestrians use the McKenzie Towne Roundabout on an average day. The City periodically reviews collisions at the roundabout and found that only 3.6 per cent of collisions at the roundabout result in injury.

In comparison, 9.6 per cent of collisions at similar signalized intersections result in injury.

According to the City of Calgary website, “Engineering practice has advanced since the roundabout was built, and opportunities will be explored to further enhance safety and operations in conjunction with future work such as pavement resurfacing.”

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