City officials in Calgary have utilized artificial intelligence technology to identify 50 intersections posing potential risks to pedestrians. A report scheduled for discussion at the council’s community development committee has highlighted these high-risk intersections and suggested safety enhancements along with their associated costs. The AI software evaluated over 17,000 intersections lacking traffic signals or flashing lights, assigning risk scores from zero (low risk) to 100 (high risk). The top 50 intersections all scored 93 or above.
After the AI analysis, city officials further assessed the identified locations and proposed safety measures and costs for 26 of the 50 intersections. Some intersections were found to have data errors, while safety improvements are already underway at others. The most high-risk intersection identified was Martindale Boulevard and Martindale Gate N.E., with a score of 99.02, recommending curb extensions at a cost of $160,000.
Another intersection, Falshire Drive and Falton Drive N.E., received a high-risk score of 98.54, suggesting the installation of a roundabout at an estimated cost of $300,000. Additionally, 17th Avenue and 17th Street S.W. could benefit from a traffic signal, and 26th Avenue and Second Street S.W. might require a raised crosswalk, according to the report.
The report emphasized that many of the identified intersections do not currently meet the traffic volume threshold for traditional safety interventions like flashing lights. It proposed $6 million in total upgrades, subject to approval by the city council. Notably, eight of the identified high-risk intersections fall within Coun. Raj Dhaliwal’s ward.
Transport advocate Laura Shutiak highlighted the importance of reducing vehicle speeds to curb pedestrian fatalities, emphasizing the necessity of data-driven decisions. Despite the suggested safety improvements, Shutiak believes that speed reduction remains the key to enhancing road safety. Shutiak’s organization collaborates with Calgary high schools to promote biking among students and stresses the significance of design changes near schools to ensure pedestrian safety.
Following a concerning rise in traffic fatalities in 2025, including 15 pedestrian deaths, the city plans to review additional high-risk intersections flagged by the AI program. An update on the city’s Vision Zero initiative, aiming to eliminate traffic-related fatalities, will be presented to councillors on Tuesday.