Construction ramping up in Culture and Entertainment District through fall
Lane closures and street disruptions begin Monday as Scotia Place and infrastructure projects advance, with the Sixth Street underpass blocking traffic until mid-September.
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Construction is ramping up in Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District starting July 21, with temporary lane, street, and sidewalk closures expected to disrupt the area through the fall.
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is coordinating multiple projects, including Scotia Place (the future $926-million NHL arena), the Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park, and the Sixth Street S.E. underpass. The most significant disruption will be the full closure of Sixth Street S.E. between 11th and 12th avenues until mid-September for the underpass project, which will add a second crossing under the Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail line.
Lane reductions along Ninth Avenue S.E. will continue for the rest of the year. Road and sidewalk closures on 14th Avenue S.E., 5A Street S.E., and Flores LaDue Parade are planned for the fall for infrastructure upgrades. Intermittent multi-lane closures on 12th Avenue S.E. between Sixth Street S.E. and Stampede Trail S.E. will occur until late July for Scotia Place construction.
"We know construction of this nature can be disruptive and we know that we've been at work here in the district for a couple of years already, with more to come," said Emma Stevens, director of communications and external relations at CMLC.
Stevens recommends drivers enter the district from 25th Avenue S.E., where construction impact is less severe. Transit, walking, and cycling are also recommended alternatives. Real-time updates and detour information are available on the CMLC access map. Scotia Place is expected to open in time for the 2027-28 NHL season, with roof installation currently underway and the building expected to be watertight by year's end.
At a glance
When do lane closures start in Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District?
Construction disruptions begin on July 21, 2026, with temporary lane, street, and sidewalk closures expected through the fall.
How long will Sixth Street S.E. be fully closed?
Sixth Street S.E. between 11th and 12th avenues will be fully closed until mid-September 2026 for the underpass project, which will add a second crossing under the Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail line.
Which entry point should drivers use to minimize construction impact?
Drivers should enter Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District from 25th Avenue S.E., where construction impact is less severe.
