6 Street S.E. Underpass Functional Planning Study
Project Update – December 2022
Work continues on the 6 Street S.E. Underpass Functional Planning Study which supports the Rivers District Master Plan. A few remaining details have yet to be finalized at which point The City will share the functional planning study.
About The Project
The 6 Street S.E. Underpass Functional Planning Study explores the requirements for an underpass that will connect 6 Street S.E between 9 Avenue S.E. and 11 Avenue S.E., under the CP Rail line. Through the study, a plan will be designed that includes access management, pedestrian and bicycle accommodation, right-of-way requirements, lane configurations and a bridge design assessment.
The 6 Street underpass will provide a needed north-south link connecting East Village and the Rivers District – proactively preparing the area for future development, including the BMO expansion and other City projects. As described in the Rivers District Master Plan, infrastructure in this area also supports The City’s objectives for revitalization and densification of the City Centre.
The 6 Street S.E. Underpass will provide a needed north-south link connecting East Village and the Rivers District.
Background and considerations
In 2019, preliminary work was completed for a 5 Street S.E. alignment, where representatives from The City of Calgary, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), ENMAX, adjacent landowners and other interested parties worked to identify the scope and feasibility of the project.
A decision was made in November 2021 to transition the work from 5 Street S.E. to 6 Street S.E. The 6 Street alignment provides better access to and from surrounding streets, better accommodates pedestrians and cyclists and further supports the long-term area development plans. Engagement completed for the Rivers District Master Plan and the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan was used to inform and support this decision.
Further input collected from the public and interested parties in the area was used to move forward with the first phase of the 6 Street S.E. underpass project.
Next steps and what to expect
We know there are many constraints in the area, including property and utility conflicts. The project team continues to balance the needs and work directly with all impacted parties, including internal City of Calgary business units, to confirm the scope and feasibility of the project.
Frequent asked questions (FAQ's)
Project Background
What is the 6 Street S.E. Underpass project?
The City of Calgary is preparing for the development of the area near 6 Street S.E. The area is key in the Green Line alignment, the Calgary Event Centre, and the Rivers District Master Plan. This functional planning study would provide a more detailed plan for the underpass, including bridge design assessment, access management, pedestrian and bicycle accommodation, right-of-way requirements, lane configurations, etc.
The underpass will align with 6 Street S.E. between 9 Avenue and 11 Avenue S.E. underneath the CPR tracks. This alignment provides a north-south link between East Village and the Rivers District. As described in the Rivers District Master Plan, infrastructure in this area also supports The City’s objectives for revitalization and densification of the city centre. Finally, it will provide a needed connection for future development, including the proposed Event Centre and BMO expansion.
Why was it moved from the 5 Street S.E. Underpass?
Preliminary work was completed by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) in 2019 and a decision was made in November 2021 to transition the work from the 5 Street S.E alignment to 6 Street S.E.. The shift has a number of benefits for The City, community partners, and businesses. Adjusting the alignment gives the ability for the surrounding area to develop, enhances network circulation, and aligns with other projects in the area to improve circulation in and out of the area.
Is this the right time to design and build an underpass at 6 Street S.E.?
Yes, Calgary continues to grow and redevelop; including a number of projects currently underway that will attract more people to Calgary’s East Village and Rivers District areas. Building infrastructure that supports future growth ensures we are aligned with the needs of the community now and in the future. Although the Event Centre and Green Line play important roles in the Rivers District Mast Plan, the 6 Street S.E. Underpass is key to the redevelopment of the area as a whole and will support future travel patterns and flow.
Community and Engagement Specific Questions
How was community engagement used?
Extensive engagement was done for the Green Line, the Rivers District Master Plan, and Beltline ARP. Previous engagement was used to inform the first phase of the 6 Street S.E. Underpass Project.
The 6 Street S.E. Underpass team reviewed the themes and input collected for these plans to determine the needs of the community and important components to consider in the design and development of the underpass. Elements such as access for all users and all modes, connections to the network, and areas of focus are included in this Functional Planning Study.
Where can I provide feedback or input?
Given the area and the location of the underpass, we have identified that there are various site constraints, including utility rights-of-way, existing infrastructure, and development plans. Due to the extent of the constraints for the alignment of the underpass, there are limited opportunities for community engagement on the alignment; however, the community input into Green Line, the Rivers District Master Plan, and Beltline ARP was referenced at the outset of the project.
Design and Construction Specific Questions
What will the underpass look like?
The design of the 6 Street S.E. Underpass is expected to be similar to 4 Street S.E. in that it will provide space for people walking and wheeling, and four vehicle lanes to support access in and out of the community.
What are the next steps and schedule?
We anticipate completing the Functional Planning Study for the 6 Street SE Underpass by the end of the summer 2022 and will look to advance the work through to detailed design through 2023. The timeline for construction of the underpass is to be confirmed.
How are multi/active modes being accommodated?
The 6 Street S.E. Underpass will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, or wheeled users, on the same level, which will be separated from vehicles. This delineation of speed and mobility type fits within our Pathway and Bikeway Plan.
How will the designs fit into the cycling network?
We expect the underpass to connect to the Downtown Cycle Track and River Pathway network by creating a north and south cycling network connection. The design will support the recommendations of The Always Available for All Ages and Abilities (5A) network by separating people by their speed, improving visibility, making it reliable and accessible for everyone, and making it easy to use.
Timeline
- Feasibility Study: Complete (2019)
- Utility Designs: Summer 2022
- Preferred Plan and Design: Winter 2023
- Anticipated Construction Start:
Late 2023/Early 2024
* Updates will be provided regularly, and dates may change without notice.
Budget
$900,000 - This budget includes the Functional Design only. The budget required for construction will be assessed once designs are complete.
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Questions?
Please email the project team: 6streetunderpass@calgary.ca