12th Avenue cycle track in Calgary's network to open early

The 12th Avenue section of Calgary's cycle track network pilot project opens to the public on Tuesday morning, which is several weeks ahead of schedule.

"The weather has been on our side and we were able to complete construction on this route more quickly than anticipated," said Don Mulligan, the city's transportation planning director.

Construction on thefour approved routes for the $7-million pilot projecthas been happening at the same time, butMulligan says it just worked out that the city was able to open the 12th Avenueroute early.

"This one is the one that was able to get to the stage where we can open it.We've tested it from a pedestrian, from a vehicleand from a cyclist point of view," he said. "We're comfortable with opening it."

The 12th Avenuesection of the cycle track network extends from 11th Streetwest to ThirdStreeteast.

Adjustment period

Mulligan expects there will be an adjustment period as cyclists, pedestriansand motorists get used to the changes.

"The message to everyone is this is new. There's new road signs, there's new markings, there's new signals, traffic lights all of those things are new."

The city says ithas already made modificationsto 12th Avenuefor safer, easier travel for everyone, including improved traffic light timing and adjustedlane markings to provide better flow at FirstStreetS.W. It plans to continue to make adjustments over the course of the pilot, and is encouraging people to give their feedback either through thecity's websiteor by phoning 311.

The city is also reminding Calgarians that the other pilot cycle track routes at EighthAvenueS.W., NinthAvenueS.E. and FifthStreetS.W. remain under construction.Cyclists are asked to stay off those routes until they're finished.

The city aims to officially open the entire network at the end of June.