Calgary Plans Traffic Fix at Heritage Drive & MacLeod Trail
The City of Calgary has begun a functional planning study to address traffic congestion and safety concerns at the intersection of Heritage Drive and MacLeod Trail. The review will consider past studies, current traffic patterns, and future development, with public input shaping the recommendations.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The City of Calgary has announced a new functional planning study aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety at the intersection of Heritage Drive and MacLeod Trail in the Haysboro neighbourhood. The study follows a record of more than 170 collisions at the junction over the past five years and growing concerns about pedestrian safety amid increasing development in the area.
Why the Intersection Matters
Heritage Drive cuts across six lanes of traffic on MacLeod Trail, a major arterial that connects the city’s east and west sides. The intersection sits just west of the CTrain line and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) freight tracks, meaning that both light rail and freight trains cross the road, adding to delays and complicating traffic flow. In 2021‑2023 alone, 172 crashes were logged at the intersection, 16 of which caused injuries, including two pedestrian injuries in 2023.
What the Study Will Cover
City traffic engineers, led by senior transportation engineer Zeesean Abdy, will review a range of factors: current traffic volumes, the impact of nearby CTrain and freight operations, drainage and utility constraints, and the intersection’s alignment with the Heritage Communities local area plan approved by the city council in 2023. The review will also consider how the intersection fits into the broader context of the area’s growth, with several new residential projects—such as the Boro Block affordable housing development and a 97‑unit mixed‑market complex—on the horizon.
Previous studies in 2010 and 2013 identified the need to separate Heritage Drive from the railway tracks, either by raising the road above the tracks or burying it below. However, those recommendations were never funded. The new study will assess whether those solutions are still viable given current traffic patterns and the city’s budget constraints.
Public Engagement and Next Steps
The study is currently in its first phase, which includes soliciting feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. An open‑house meeting was held Saturday at the Haysboro Community Centre, and a 90‑minute online public engagement session is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. Residents can register for the webinar at calgary.ca/macleodheritagestudy. City Council member Rob Ward, who grew up in the neighbourhood, emphasized the need for safer pedestrian crossings, suggesting an elevated crossing could reduce the risk of accidents.
Once the study is complete, the findings will inform the next phases of design and construction and will be presented to the city council for funding decisions. Abdy clarified that the study’s recommendations will not automatically be built; council approval and budget allocation are required.
What Residents Can Expect
In the short term, residents may experience minor changes to traffic signals and signage as the city gathers data. In the longer term, potential solutions could include:
- Redesigning the intersection to reduce the number of lanes crossing Heritage Drive.
- Installing an elevated pedestrian crossing or a dedicated bike lane.
- Separating Heritage Drive from the CTrain and freight tracks through a bridge or tunnel.
- Improving drainage and utility infrastructure to support any new construction.
- Enhancing lighting and visibility for night‑time safety.
These measures aim to make the intersection safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians while maintaining efficient traffic flow for the growing population in the area.
What’s Still Uncertain
Key questions remain about funding timelines and the feasibility of large‑scale infrastructure changes. The city has not yet secured the capital required for the most extensive options, such as a bridge over the tracks. Additionally, the impact of future developments—like the new tower projects flanking MacLeod Trail—on traffic patterns is still being modeled. Residents and local businesses will need to stay engaged as the study progresses and as council deliberations take place.
In the meantime, the city encourages all road users to exercise caution at the intersection, especially during peak hours and when trains are passing. The upcoming public engagement sessions provide an opportunity for community members to voice concerns and suggestions that could shape the final recommendations.
By addressing the intersection’s traffic and safety challenges now, Calgary hopes to create a more livable and connected neighbourhood for current and future residents.
Key facts
- Calgary’s functional planning study targets congestion and safety at Heritage Drive & MacLeod Trail
- The intersection has seen 172 crashes in five years, 16 with injuries
- Public engagement is a key part of the study, with meetings and a webinar planned
- Previous studies suggested raising or burying Heritage Drive over the tracks, but funding was lacking
- New residential developments nearby increase the urgency of the project
Why it matters
Improving traffic flow and safety at this busy intersection will protect residents, reduce crashes, and support the area’s planned residential growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is a functional planning study?
It is an early‑stage review that evaluates current traffic conditions, identifies problems, and proposes design options to improve flow and safety.
Will the intersection be closed during the study?
No, the study focuses on design and planning; any construction would occur in later phases and would be announced separately.
How can I provide input?
Attend the open‑house meeting at the Haysboro Community Centre or register for the online webinar at calgary.ca/macleodheritagestudy.
Sources
- [1] calgaryherald.com — originally reported as “City studying how to improve traffic flow at Heritage Drive, MacLeod Trail intersection”
