After more than three years of planning and construction, and an estimated 340,000 direct man hours, the $70 million 4th Street SE Underpass officially opened to traffic on November 1st, 2011. This key infrastructure project provides an important connection linking East Village with Beltline communities and Stampede Park, making it easier to get into and out of East Village, and improving the walkability of nearby Calgary neighbourhoods such as Inglewood, Downtown and Victoria Park.
The 4th Street Underpass includes design features to make pedestrians and cyclists more comfortable using the link. Apart from wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and dedicated bicycle lanes, the underpass features state-of-the-art LED lighting in its walls and handrails to make the space lighter and more inviting. It also houses a unique kinetic artwork installation in its canopy.
Hundreds of aluminum fans are set within a galvanized metal armature. The fins are fastened to pivots that allow each fin to move with the motion of the wind or a passing train and allow light to penetrate the space below.
The underpass is expected to accomodate 22,100 vechile trips a day once the build-out of East Village is complete.