CALGARY, Alta. — A north-south ring road around Calgary is closer to reality, with a feasibility study slated to take place next month.

A year-long functional study on the ring road will be conducted by Earth Tech Canada to determine whether it is a practical solution to increased traffic congestion on Deerfoot Tr.

Although funding has yet to be approved for the project, city aldermen say Deerfoot will reach its capacity in a few years and it’s crucial the province funds the freeway. It would link Stoney Tr. in the north to Hwy. 22X in the south.

It’s a concept that’s been discussed for 30 years, but has received more attention lately due to growth in the commercial foothills industrial park.

"What we want to make sure is (the plan) meets present-day standards and if there’s any additional land that needs to be acquired," Alberta Transportation spokesman Jim Der tells local media.

With the province owning 95 per cent of the projected road right-of-way, it is expected the province will be called upon to fund the majority of the project.

“As a transportation person, of course I’d like to see it done as soon as possible, but it’s subject to budgets, which are spread around the province,” adds Der.