Part of Calgary southwest BRT project could be delayed as ATCO deals with pipeline

A major part of the new southwest bus rapid transit (BRT) project will be delayed for a couple of years because a natural gas pipeline must be removed first.

In releasing a 92-page document to answer questions about the BRT project, the city says it is making changes as a result of public feedback.

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There have been questions about how the city can build dedicated bus lanes along 14th Street S.W. when ATCO Gas is planning to remove a high-pressure natural gas line there. The pipeline will be replaced by a new one along the southwest ring road.

Sean Somers with Calgary Roads says the bus way between Glenmore and Southland can't go ahead until ATCO takes out the gas line.

"That particular portion of the southwest BRT between Glenmore Trail and Southland Driveso the dedicated transit portionwill be delayed again to accommodate the work that's happening with ATCOto ensure that, in all honesty, that we're not digging up the road twice,"Somers said.

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But construction on the rest of the BRTwhere buses will travel with other trafficcould start sooner.

Somers says another change they've made to respond to public concerns is to do away with the transitway crossing at 75th Avenue S.W. near Rockyview Hospital. Instead, buses will enter the dedicated lanes just south of 75th Avenue.

"We take the feedback that we get from citizens, from stakeholders very seriously and again, we've incorporated that feedback and it's reflected in the work you see there today."

A city council committee will discuss the changes at a meeting next week.

A group opposed to the project is hoping for a big turnout and is offering complimentary shuttle service "if you need a ride to the LRT station."

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