Getting around Chestermere will require extra planning as several construction projects create overlapping closures and traffic restrictions across the city.
The biggest disruption is the complete closure of Rainbow Road South between Waterford Boulevard and South Shore Drive, including the bridge area, until September 4.
Crews are excavating a large trench across the road to install critical underground stormwater infrastructure. The route is impassable to vehicles, making this more than a normal construction delay.
Drivers who usually travel between Chestermere and Calgary using Glenmore Trail and Rainbow Road can instead take Stoney Trail to 17 Avenue S.E., which becomes Chestermere Boulevard; Stoney Trail to Highway 1; or Rainbow Road to Township Road 240 and Range Road 282.
Waterford Boulevard at Rainbow Road is also scheduled to close from August 27 through September 11, creating an additional challenge for residents in Waterford and south Chestermere.
Once Rainbow Road South reopens, periodic single-lane traffic is expected between Waterford Boulevard and South Shore Drive through September 30. South Shore Drive will face similar restrictions between Rainbow Road and South Shore View beginning September 7.
Work along Chestermere Boulevard between Range Road 284 and Rainbow Road South is scheduled to continue through November 30. Speeds are reduced to 50 km/h, and eastbound drivers are temporarily prohibited from turning left onto Rainbow Road North. The change is intended to reduce backups while construction continues.
Merganser Drive has a one-way entrance available but no exit onto the construction corridor. Dawson Drive remains open for two-way access.
Temporary eastbound lane closures and traffic shifts are continuing near the Highway 1 interchange for off-ramp improvements and median widening. That work is tentatively scheduled to continue until October 15.
A separate eastbound lane restriction near East Chestermere Drive is expected to remain until October 5 while a retaining wall is constructed.
Dawson Way is closed between Dawson Wharf Mount and Dawson Circle until August 29 for utility excavation and repairs.
Pedestrians and cyclists are also affected. The Western Headworks Canal pathway west of Rainbow Road is closed until September 30. The pathway east of Rainbow Road, between Rainbow Road and the Edible Garden, is closed until October 30.
Residents should avoid cutting through neighbourhood streets, obey flaggers and allow additional travel time. Construction schedules may change because of weather, site conditions or provincial requirements.
The latest information is available on the City’s road reports page.