Lane reversals

In Calgary, we have several lane reversals that help reduce congestion during peak periods.

A lane reversal permits traffic to flow in different directions at different times of the day, and is generally used to provide additional capacity at peak traffic hours.

Overhead displays indicate the direction of travel for a reversible lane.  A green arrow identifies a lane as being open, while a red “X” identifies a lane that is closed.  When a lane is about to close, the overhead signal display provides an advance warning by displaying a flashing red “X”. Lane reversals are in effect Monday-Friday, excluding holidays (some exceptions apply). 

overhead traffic light display
on-road sign display

To reduce congestion near construction sites or to test locations for a permanent lane reversal system, manual lane reversals are used. Temporary signs and pylons are used to indicate the correct lane, and are moved at different times of day.

Report a problem

Please use the eService request below to report a lane reversal having problems or in need of repair.

Report a lane reversal issue

Related information

 

Lane reversals in effect during peak hour traffic

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Bow Trail to 5 Ave. S.W. Morning Connector

The Bow Trail (9 Ave. S.W.) to 5 Ave. S.W. Morning Connector serves over 500,000 vehicles per year, saving commuters up to 12 minutes each morning.

This lane reversal eases traffic congestion for morning commuters on Bow Trail by providing additional access to 5 Ave. S.W. into the downtown core. Eastbound Bow Trail traffic can use this additional route via Pumphouse Ave. S.W. to 5 Ave. S.W.

Hours of operation: 6 – 10 a.m. Monday to Friday with the exception of statutory holidays

Transitions begin at 5:50 a.m. and 9:50 a.m., and may take up to 10 minutes.

Maps:

 

Memorial Drive, 9 St. N.W. to 14 St. N.W.

This lane reversal provides three westbound lanes on Memorial Drive in the afternoon rush-hour. This system consists of both motorized gates and overhead LED lane control signals. The Memorial Drive lane reversal serves over 440,000 vehicles per year, and saves commuters up to 3 minutes during the evening peak period.

Hours of operation: 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Map:  Memorial Drive lane reversal map

Memorial Drive, Edmonton Trail to 4 Street N.E.

This lane reversal system provides dual westbound left-turns into the downtown core all times of day except for Monday to Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when dual eastbound left-turns are provided to Edmonton Trail.

Hours of operation: 3 – 6 p.m. (Monday - Friday) - dual eastbound left turns

This lane reversal has been shown to reduce overall delay on Memorial Drive by about 30%, and increase the capacity of vehicles travelling westbound on Memorial Drive into the downtown core by 400 vehicles per hour. Additionally, it has reduced short cutting of motorists through Bridgeland.

Centre Street, 17 Ave. N.W. to 3 Ave. S.W.

The Centre Street lane reversal provides an extra lane southbound during the morning commute and an extra lane northbound during the evening commute.

Hours of operation:

  • 7 – 8:30 a.m., Centre Street southbound
  • 3:30 – 6 p.m., Centre Street northbound

Note: Centre Street also includes a HOV lane

Centre Street Bridge (lower deck)

The Centre Street lower deck bridge lane reversal provides an extra lane southbound during the morning commute and an extra lane northbound during the evening commute.

Hours of operation:

  • 7 – 8:30 a.m., lower deck one-way southbound
  • 3:30 – 6 p.m., lower deck one-way northbound

10 Street, 2 Ave. N.W. to 4 Ave. S.W.

The 10 Street lane reversal provides an extra lane southbound during the morning commute and an extra lane northbound during the evening commute.

Hours of operation:

  • 6:30 – 8:30 a.m., 10 St. southbound
  • 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., 10 St. northbound

 

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