16 Avenue N.E. at Stoney Trail: Fatal Crash Highlights Unfunded Interchange Need

CALGARY, AB — A fatal crash closed 16 Avenue N.E. at Stoney Trail on February 11, marking the city's fifth deadly collision in just six weeks. The intersection sits at the heart of a growing safety debate: it needs a major upgrade, but there's no money on the table.

The Crash Site's Long-Known Problem

A functional planning study confirmed years ago that 16 Avenue N.E. and Northeast Stoney Trail require a major interchange with directional ramps. That project isn't funded in The City of Calgary's "Investing in Mobility" plan, and there's no timeline for construction. Meanwhile, commuters and commercial traffic squeeze through daily, navigating a configuration that hasn't kept pace with growth.

Five Fatalities, Six Weeks

Calgary recorded 38 fatal collisions in 2025, including 15 pedestrian deaths. The city's current pace—five deaths by mid-February—puts 2026 on track to surpass 40 fatalities. Speed, distracted driving, and impairment remain the primary culprits, according to the Calgary Police Service. Roughly 30% of last year's collisions involved unsafe or excessive speed.

Funded Projects Nearby, But Not Here

Just down the road, Stage 2 of the Stoney Trail and Airport Trail interchange is under construction, with a completion target of October 2026. That $37 million project is backed by Alberta Transportation and a private developer. The 16 Avenue N.E. interchange? Still waiting for a cheque. Alberta's 2025 budget allocated $2.1 billion for Calgary-area transportation projects, and a new $13 million Traffic Safety Fund launched in March 2025 to help municipalities tackle risky intersections. But without dedicated funding, the 16 Avenue upgrade remains in planning limbo.

City Pushes Vision Zero, Province Holds Purse Strings

Calgary's 2026 budget includes $7.5 million for "Vision Zero" street safety improvements and $201 million for broader infrastructure work. The Calgary Police Service and the City launched the "Join the Drive to Zero" campaign in September 2025, urging drivers to slow down and stay alert. Yet major interchange projects depend on provincial dollars. Until the 16 Avenue interchange gets funded, the intersection remains a pinch point where engineering hasn't caught up to risk.