Marda Loop construction on track to be complete by fall

Construction in Marda Loop will wrap up this fall, but it's been a rough couple of years for businesses working through the disruptions.

Three years of Marda Loop construction will come to an end this October, and businesses in the area are excited.

“Customers complain daily about parking. They complain daily about the construction, which we have no control over,” said Siobhan Nadeau, Clothing Bar Boutique employee.

Marda Loop has been undergoing about $30 million worth of construction over three years, including street and sidewalk upgrades to improve pedestrian safety.

This summer, the focus is on 34th Avenue S.W., with a complete road closure on 20th Street S.W.

Once that’s done, construction will move to the next intersection, at 21st Street and 34th Avenue S.W.

“We are on track for the schedule, even though we’ve had a couple days of rain,” said Colin Chapman with the City of Calgary.

The city says street construction should wrap up by Oct. 31.

Despite the ongoing work, some businesses have been able to thrive.

“I’ve been here for about three years, and I have been slowly increasing my client base, and now I’m in the position to expand,” said Michèle Bowland, Little Bow Fibre Company owner.

Bowland is in the process of doubling the size of her shop on 34th Avenue and 19th Street S.W.

“People have really gone out of their way, given what’s going on in this area, to try and get in to see me and to keep coming back or order online and things like that,” Bowland said.

The city has set up a free, two-hour temporary parking lot on 20th Street S.W. for those who’d like to visit Marda Loop.

Marda Gras Street Festival is Aug. 10.

The event is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.