AI Targets Calgary's Deadliest Intersections: $6M Safety Plan Unveiled
Artificial intelligence has identified Calgary's 50 most dangerous uncontrolled intersections, and city lawmakers are being asked to approve $6 million in upgrades to fix nearly half of them. The move comes as the city grapples with a record number of pedestrian deaths on its roads.
How does Calgary's AI rank dangerous intersections?
The city's AI platform assessed 17,000 intersections, scoring each on a 100-point risk scale. Factors included traffic and pedestrian volumes, speed limits, and road configuration. The system flagged 50 intersections lacking traffic controls with risk ratings ranging from 93.55 to 99.02.
Topping the list was Martindale Boulevard and Martindale Gate N.E. with a maximum score of 99.02. Falshire Drive and Falton Drive N.E. followed at 98.54, with Madigan Drive between Madeira Way and Manora Place N.E. coming in third at 98.13.
These locations fall just short of the threshold for rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), which requires 9,000 vehicles per day. City administrators argue that adding full traffic signals now would proactively address safety issues rather than waiting for collisions to justify action.
“Administration could proactively advance improvements at these locations rather than waiting for future traffic counts, warrant studies or collision history to justify intervention under traditional processes,” states a report set for debate by the community development committee on Sept. 1.
Why is pedestrian safety a growing crisis in Calgary?
The recommendations arrive amid a surge in pedestrian fatalities. Last year, 15 pedestrians were killed on Calgary roads, a staggering 225 percent increase from the previous year. In February, a two-year-old child was killed after being struck by a Jeep while being pushed in a stroller in a marked crosswalk.
Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly says the AI findings validate what residents have been reporting for years. He notes that distracted driving, particularly cellphone use, makes safety upgrades more urgent than ever.
“Those are things 20 years ago you didn't need,” said Kelly, referring to flashing lights that bring drivers back from their phones.
What will the $6 million intersection upgrade plan include?
The list was narrowed to 26 sites that could be upgraded between 2027 and 2030. The $6 million price tag comes in addition to the existing budget for safety improvements. Kelly called the figure “not a wildly out-of-line figure” that will likely be debated during November budget deliberations.
Kelly, a first-term lawmaker, said earlier councils underfunded such infrastructure and it's time to catch up. Committee chair and Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal disagreed, saying the previous council funded the city's Safer Mobility Plan. However, both agree on the need for enhanced safety.
“We've had a 21 percent population growth since 2016 and some of these roads were built before 2016,” said Dhaliwal. “This (funding recommendation) isn't based on perception, it's based on data.”
Is AI the right tool for prioritizing road safety?
The report acknowledges “there may be public scrutiny regarding the use of AI-supported prioritization in decision making.” But Kelly insists AI is being used alongside public feedback and professional assessment.
“AI is giving us another tool, and it's great to have that validation,” said Kelly.
Surendra Mishra, an engineer with the city's mobility traffic safety team, echoed that sentiment: “Locations are selected based on obviously the engineering side, which we do regularly, as is based on the traffic volumes, collisions, etc.”
Dhaliwal wants to see zero pedestrian fatalities, noting that while this year's numbers are down from 2025, there's still too much carnage on city streets. He called for more education for motorists and pedestrians in schools and the wider community.
FAQ: Calgary's AI-driven intersection safety plan
How many intersections will be upgraded?
The plan targets 26 sites for upgrades between 2027 and 2030, funded by a $6 million allocation.
What makes an intersection score high on the AI risk scale?
The AI considers traffic and pedestrian volumes, speed limits, road configuration, and collision history. Scores above 93 indicate severe risk requiring intervention.
When will the city committee vote on this plan?
The community development committee will debate the report on Sept. 1, with budget deliberations scheduled for November.
How many pedestrians died in Calgary last year?
Fifteen pedestrians were killed in 2025, a 225 percent increase from the previous year.