Ivor Strong Bridge opens to traffic July 27 as Deerfoot upgrades continue
The new southbound bridge marks a major milestone in Alberta's $700 million Deerfoot Trail improvements project, with commuters expected to save 20 per cent on travel times once all work is complete.
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Calgary commuters get relief on one of the city's most congested routes July 27, when the new Ivor Strong Bridge opens to traffic. The span will carry all southbound traffic while the existing bridge undergoes rehabilitation for northbound use, eventually creating four lanes in each direction.
The bridge opening marks the latest phase of Alberta's $700 million Deerfoot Trail improvements project, which spans 70 kilometres of resurfacing and includes construction of seven new bridges and rehabilitation of two existing ones. Transport Minister Devin Dreeshen said the new bridge is opening on time and on budget.
Once the entire project wraps up in late 2027, the province estimates commuters will save roughly 20 per cent on daily travel times — about one million hours per year across the region. Work continues at Anderson Road and Bow Bottom Trail, where an interchange is expected to be completed this fall, and at Southland Drive, where crews are preparing for lane widening.
Construction remains active across several sections, so drivers should expect changing traffic patterns throughout 2026 and into 2027.
The facts
When does the Ivor Strong Bridge open to traffic?
The Ivor Strong Bridge opens to traffic on July 27, 2026.
How much will the total Deerfoot Trail improvements cost?
Alberta's Deerfoot Trail improvements project costs $700 million.
When will the entire Deerfoot Trail project be complete?
The project is expected to wrap up in late 2027.
How much travel time will commuters save once the project is done?
Once complete, commuters are estimated to save roughly 20 per cent on daily travel times, equivalent to about one million hours per year across the region.
