Possible Flames playoff run will postpone 17th Avenue construction

While the Calgary Flames making the playoffs is great news for hockey fans, it's creating some challenges for the city's plan to finish its $44-million makeover of 17th Avenue S.W.

Since 2017, crews have been working to upgrade the sidewalks and replace the underground utilities along the avenue and then upgrade the roadway and streetscape from Macleod Trail to 14th Street S.W.

City planner Quinn Eastlick says this season's construction start will be put off until the playoffs are over.

But that doesn't mean crews will be sitting idle.

"There are some preliminary pieces that we will be getting going on earlier, things like working on our detour routes," he said.

"We'll be looking to complete the road and utility work all the way to 14th Street by the end of the construction season. And we will be getting most of the sidewalk work done with a little bit carrying over into 2020."

On its project website, the city says various timing options are being considered while also reviewing the impacts of the various upcoming events, including Lilac Festival, the Calgary Marathon, the Calgary Stampedeand the Calgary Flames playoff run, which could stretch into June if they make it to the final round.

A preliminary project schedule will be posted in the coming weeks.

The city says the project is already more than 65 per cent complete.