McKenzie Towne - Roundabout safety improvements
The City of Calgary is planning changes to improve safety and make the McKenzie Towne roundabout easier to use.
The proposed changes would convert the current two-lane roundabout to a spiral roundabout. Drivers would still enter on two lanes. New lane markings and low-profile dividers would guide drivers into the correct lane before they enter and help them stay in that lane until their exit.
The roundabout has not changed yet. Continue to use it as you do today. The City plans to install temporary changes in fall 2026 so the new design can be tested and evaluated.
Why this work is being planned
The McKenzie Towne roundabout is an important connection for residents, students, businesses, transit, emergency services and visitors in southeast Calgary.
The City reviewed how people drive, walk and move through the roundabout. The review identified opportunities to make lane choices clearer, reduce confusion near exits and support safer, more predictable travel.
These changes are intended to make the roundabout easier to understand and safer for everyone who uses it.
What is being proposed
The City is proposing a spiral roundabout design.
In a spiral roundabout, drivers choose the correct lane before entering. Lane markings and low-profile dividers then guide them through the roundabout to their exit. Drivers should not need to change lanes inside the roundabout.
The proposed design includes clearer lane markings, low-profile dividers and more direct paths to each exit. The centre area would remain mountable so buses, large trucks and emergency vehicles can travel through safely when needed.
A mountable centre area allows buses, trucks and emergency vehicles to continue navigating the roundabout safely.
Project timeline
The City plans to install temporary changes in fall 2026. The temporary design will allow the City to see how the new lane layout works before permanent changes are considered.
During the trial, The City will review safety, traffic flow and how clearly people understand and use the new lane layout. If the trial is successful and approvals are received, permanent construction is planned for 2027 as part of scheduled pavement work.
Calgarians can also contact 311 during the trial to share comments about how the temporary roundabout is working. This input will help The City understand the experience of people who drive, walk, cycle or travel through the area.
Before work begins, The City will share confirmed dates, traffic impacts, detours and information about what drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and nearby residents can expect.
Stay informed
Updates about the design, trial, evaluation and construction schedule will be posted on this page as they are confirmed.
How to drive the proposed roundabout
Watch the instructional video to see how drivers would choose a lane, enter the roundabout and follow the guided lane to their exit.
Step-by-step guide
- Check the signs and choose the correct lane before entering.
- Yield to people crossing and to traffic already in the roundabout.
- Enter when there is a safe gap.
- Folow your lane and the pavement markings. Do not change lanes inside the roundabout.
- Signal right before your exit and watch for people crossing as you leave.
Large vehicles, buses and emergency vehicles would still be able to use the roundabout. The centre area is designed so larger vehicles can travel over part of it when needed.