5th Avenue S.W. lane reversal begins on Tuesday

Watch above: Tracy Nagai explains how the launch of the lane reversal was a bit of a quiet start.

CALGARY – Drivers who frequent the downtown core will soon notice a big change during afternoon rush hour.

Starting on May 19th, The City of Calgary will be launching a trial lane reversal system on 5th Avenue S.W. between 7th Street and Bow Trail.

The lane reversal will run from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays.

Currently, 5th Avenue has five eastbound lanes. During the lane reversal, crews will use traffic cones to section off two lanes which will be used by westbound traffic.

The City of Calgary hopes the pilot project will improve westbound traffic flow out of downtown during the afternoon commute. They say the lane reversal is estimated to reduce travel times and congestion by up to 15 per cent.

“This lane reversal will help to improve mobility by accommodating approximately 600 vehicles per hour on an alternative westbound route,” said director of roads Troy Mcleod. “As a result, it will reduce congestion on 4th and 6th Avenues Southwest, which will improve traffic flow out of downtown for all vehicles, including transit.”

Travel data will be collected throughout the six-month-long pilot project, at which time its success will be evaluated to determine if it should be a permanent change.

If the City of Calgary decides to make the lane reversal permanent, a signal system (similar to what is seen on Centre Street) will be installed.

WATCH: Pat Grisak joins Global Calgary to discuss the new pilot project on 5th Avenue S.W.

Drivers have mixed reviews of the concept.

“It’s going to be nightmares you know … making it two ways,” said cab driver Joginder Dhaliwal. “It’s not a great idea.”

But Natalie Larson, who commutes home from downtown to southwest Calgary, said right now it takes her half an hour just to get from work to Crowchild Trail.

“It would be great to have an extra route,” Larson said.

For more information, you can visit Calgary.ca/5ave.

WATCH: 5 Avenue S.W. afternoon lane reversal explained

With files from Mia Sosiak