Enmax warns of downtown substation traffic impacts

Enmax's new substation will result in some periodic traffic delays in the downtown core. (Supplied/Enmax)

A new 35,000-square-foot ENMAX substation is expected to be complete in downtown Calgary in summer 2026.

Substation No.1 was built in 1912 to power the early streetlights and streetcar rail system.

Now, it provides electricity to nearly half of downtown including office towers, residential buildings, and health-care facilities.

“The current infrastructure is nearing it’s end of life so the new equipment will provide continued reliability in downtown Calgary for decades to come,” said ENMAX in an email statement.

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Being that the substations, new and old, are located across the street from each other at 9 Avenue S.W. and 7 Street S.W., there will be intermittent lane closures in the area throughout 2025.

Until May 9, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., one or two lanes will be closed on 7 Street S.W. at 9 Avenue S.W. and 10 Avenue S.W.

In the last week of May, there is also a planned two-lane closure on 9 Avenue between 7 Street S.W. and 6 Street S.W. to complete a new duct bank that will house two transmission lines.

Right now, ENMAX is working to replace and relocate six high voltage transmission lines and 24 medium voltage distribution lines, along with the commissioning of high voltage electrical equipment.

After landscaping around the new substation, including new sidewalks and trees, the new substation will be complete, and the old one decommissioned.

ENMAX Power Corporation operates 40 high voltage electrical substations and three lower voltage distribution substations in Calgary and area.