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Calgary Herald

New curbside pillars are under construction at Calgary Airport, doorway closures are expected throughout the summer

Construction began Monday, June 16, on new anti-ramming curbside columns at Calgary International Airport — joining locations around the city renewing focus on pedestrian safety. Article content The waist-high pillars are called bollards and will be placed in front of every door on both the arrival and departure levels. The Calgary Airport Authority described the construction in a statement as a proactive attempt to boost security, rather than a reactive response to any particular incident. They described the barriers as 'part of a multi-year initiative to further safeguard public-facing areas and align with evolving industry best practices.' Article content Article content Article content The Calgary Airport Authority did not answer when asked about the projected cost of the bollard construction, nor reveal details about future elements of the multi-year plan. Article content Article content The development will take place in phases, as an attempt to 'minimize disruption while work is underway.' Those travelling to the airport can expect reduced curb space in the domestic arrivals zone and 'higher-than-normal volumes,' during peak hours. Article content The airport previously estimated an average of 67,000 visitors each day over the course of the summer. While the construction just missed those travelling for the G7 summit in Kananaskis, it will be ongoing through both the Rotary International Convention and the Calgary Stampede. By the end of the summer, the airport expects to have seen more than 5.8 million visitors. Article content With less curb to share while construction is ongoing, the airport is attempting to mitigate the time drivers spend near doorways waiting for passengers. Signage will be posted to navigate any lane closures, and they suggest vehicles work their way to the 'cellphone lot', where drivers can stay up to 60 minutes, described as a great location for 'a bit of extra time to play Candy Crush.' Article content Article content Protection measures against vehicles have been a focus around the city in recent months. Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian asked what precautions the city was taking during a council meeting days after the deadly vehicle attack in Vancouver. The incident led to increased security during Calgary's Lilac Festival, with police cars blocking additional roadways beyond the usual signage. Article content The Calgary Stampede has also become home to its own anti-vehicle equipment, opting for portable barriers over in-ground bollards. Six barriers are currently deployed in anticipation of this weekend's Rotary convention, emblazoned with custom Calgary Stampede Logos. Article content 'Each one weighs 695 lbs, so you can't push them around,' said Brad McCabe, Meridian's director for Western Canada.