The City of Calgary is beginning the next stage of construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project this week, with work expected to continue into October.
The project is of regional interest because the City of Airdrie purchases treated water from Calgary, though Calgary’s release does not state that Airdrie water service will be affected by the Stage B work.
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Stage B will involve installing a new parallel steel feeder main along 34 Avenue N.W., between 73 Street N.W. and 89 Street N.W.
Construction starts this week
Construction is expected to begin the week of May 11 with cross-connection work to connect the future replacement pipe to the wider water system in two locations.
That work will take place on 83 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W., and on 77 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W.
Once the cross-connection work is complete, Calgary said construction of the feeder main on 34 Avenue N.W. is expected to begin in June, starting at locations between 79 and 80 Street N.W., and between 85 and 86 Street N.W.
The city said it will use an open-cut construction method, excavating within the public right-of-way to install the new pipe.
“This method involves digging a trench and restoring the surface to its pre-construction state,” the City of Calgary stated.
The city said the open-cut approach was selected for several operational reasons, including that it is the fastest option for urgently replacing the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
Traffic impacts expected in northwest Calgary
Residents in the construction area should expect traffic impacts, detours, noise, dust, temporary parking restrictions and short-term access changes while the work is underway.
Drivers are being encouraged to follow posted detours and use extra care when travelling through residential streets.
Calgary said it will provide updates as construction progresses, including advance notice of changes to access, parking and detours.
Why it matters to Airdrie
According to the City of Airdrie, Airdrie purchases water from the City of Calgary.
The water is treated by Calgary before travelling through supply mains to Airdrie reservoirs. From there, it is pumped through distribution mains to water service pipes before flowing to homes, businesses and fire hydrants.
Airdrie says its water distribution mains total about 264 kilometres. The city’s water is supplied through three transmission lines and stored in three reservoirs.
The Calgary release does not say Stage B construction will affect Airdrie’s water supply, service, pressure or quality.
Stage A work remains on track
Calgary said Stage A microtunnelling construction remains on track.
That work runs from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W. on the west side of the Bow River.
Microtunnelling between the shaft at Sarcee Trail and the Bow River Shaft, located west of the Bow River near Mainstreet Condominiums, began April 27.
Construction of the sixth and final tunnelling shaft on 16 Avenue N.W. is scheduled to begin May 11.
Due to ongoing construction, parking availability at Edworthy Park is significantly reduced.
Visitors are being encouraged to plan ahead and expect limited on-site parking, particularly during peak periods.
Replacement expected by December
The City of Calgary said it is accelerating replacement of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main because of the condition of the existing pipe.
The project will add a parallel steel feeder main that will take over service from the current line.
Calgary said the work is intended to improve the reliability and resilience of its water system.
The overall replacement project is expected to be completed in December 2026.
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