Zoo flood mitigation project to include total road reconstruction

The Calgary Zoo's flood mitigation project has been expanded to include a complete overhaul of Zoo Road foran additional cost of $5 million.

The project is now budgeted at $30 million.

In 2013, floodwaters caused more than $50 million in damage to the zoo, forcing it to close for several months for repairs.

The mitigation project which includes below-ground steel sheets, above-ground berms, and a new pumping system will protect the zoo to one metre above the 2013 flood, which is half a metre above the 1-in-100-year flood elevation.

"Recent flood maps show that the zoo is at risk of near complete inundation during a 1:20 year event that means regular flooding if this project isn't completed," the city said in a release.

The city has now decided the project will also include a full reconstruction of Zoo Road, which bisects St. George's Island from 12th Street southeast to Memorial Drive northeast.

The road will be widened, with standardized vehicle lanes, and a new four-metre pathway for pedestrians and cyclists will be added.

New lighting for the road and pathway will be added, and sightlines at the approaches to Baines Bridge and the 12th Street bridge will be improved, the city says.

Because the flood mitigation project coincides with the replacement of the 12th Street bridge, the two projects will be coordinated, the city says.

The new $19-million crossing will be constructed west of the existing bridge, which will remain open for most of the construction period to allow access to the zoo staff parking lot.

The Baines Bridge will also remain open to allow access to St. Patrick's Island park.

"To mitigate traffic congestion resulting from the closure of Zoo Road, detour plans for people walking, driving and biking will be provided closer to the start of construction," the city said in a release.

Flood mitigation project manager Viven Thomas says neighbours have already raised concerns about construction noise.

"We do have a contractor on board and we have mitigated noise, so we're actually putting noise barriers to reduce sounds," he said.

Construction on both projects is set to begin next month, with a planned completion date in late 2017.

The projects will be finished before spring 2018, when the zoo will open its Giant Panda exhibit, the city says.

The zoo will be open during construction, with public access through the north gate.