Idle Construction Zone Mayhem

We all have heard about the 1000% increase in tickets given to Calgary drivers speeding in construction zones, with the majority of them given in construction zones without workers present. We also have an extraordinary amount of construction projects happening throughout the city that is frustrating drivers. This is especially true with having to drive through the many idle construction zones, many of which are almost completed.

One such route, which I drive every day to go to and from work, is the BRT Stations on 32^nd Ave at Rundleside Drive in the NE. The project began May 2^nd and is slated to be completed by September 18, 2018. This project has been mostly completed for several months, aside from some landscaping, yet the construction signs and barriers are erected for no apparent reason. The filling of the asphalt along the curb on the west-bound lanes did come about a month later after most of the construction.

One road construction project going for several years, that is not even on the Calgary traffic report and road closures website is at the intersection of 64^th Ave. and 11^th St. NE. There has been some construction completed, but for the most part, it is about half completed. Heavy traffic that is mostly commercial trucks use this intersection daily driving over the uneven and broken pavement. These are but a couple of lingering roadway revitalizations in existence, and I am sure there are many more scattered about Calgary that could be finished in a more efficient and timely manner.

I do see the need for many of the road construction projects happening throughout the city, but it is frustrating to drive cautiously through the many idle construction zones that were almost completed months earlier. Instead of starting a new project, the city should make sure that ongoing projects are completed as quickly as possible, even if it is way before the project deadline. This would reduce many unnecessary construction zones and help with a smoother traffic flow.

What are your road construction woes? With such an increase in the number of fines doled out in construction zones without workers, one may wonder if these idle construction zones are actually speeding fine entrapment areas. Let us know what your opinion is regarding the many incomplete road construction projects throughout Calgary and suggestion on eliminating idle construction zones. Join the M.A.D. Movement and Make A Difference reducing the amount of road construction we have to navigate through. Complain to your city councillor and let the people you voted for know they need to improve how they manage their construction projects.