Update September 13: Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs
Repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main continue to proceed well and we anticipate removing current construction detours and opening 16th Avenue by Monday, Sept. 16. Some localized lane closures will remain to accommodate bringing the feeder main back into service.
We expect to return to normal water use and lift all outdoor water restrictions by next weekend (Sept. 21 and 22).
Yesterday’s water use continued to remain in the green zone at 473 million litres. With the lower demand yesterday, the operations team was able to perform some needed maintenance at both plants. Keeping water demand at or below 485 million liters, as we have achieved over the past couple of days, helps us refill underground storage reservoirs and allows for crucial preventive maintenance to avoid major failures at the plant.
While construction may look finished there are still more steps before the feeder main is fully operational. Restoring water service involves three key steps: filling the pipe, testing and stabilizing. Each step takes some time to complete before we can fully return to service.
We have worked in collaboration with our regulators, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Environment & Protected Areas, to understand whether we needed the additional step of flushing. Because they were in agreement that this was not necessary, we have been able to take one step out of the process than we had during the initial repairs in June.
Though we may not have flushing activity, running water through hydrants and a drain location is a part of this process to help us clear sediment out of the water.
Our crew will be present to monitor progress and take water samples to ensure that water remains safe for consumption.
Construction update
At 33 Ave N.W. and Shouldice Park, which includes repair Sites 1-4):
We continue to make progress on backfilling and paving, and are preparing to start paving at Site 1.
Paving, curb and gutter repair work continues at Sites 2 and 3.
Depending on the weather, we anticipate opening the roadway east of 83rd Street over the weekend.
We anticipate reopening 33rd Avenue west of 83rd Street next week.
Repair work is complete at Shouldice Park. A localized lane closure on 16th Avenue will allow crews remove the jersey barriers on the shoulder.
At Site 5, which is located at 33 Ave N.W. at 86 St.:
Excavation is complete at the final segment on 33rd Avenue N.W. Rebar installation continues and will be followed by concrete pouring.
Backfilling is in progress on the other two segments at Site 5.
At 16th Avenue where Sites 6-8 are located:
Preparation continues for paving at all three sites on 16th Avenue N.W. today with the installation of the road gravel. Paving work will follow.
We anticipate removing current construction detours and opening 16th Avenue by Monday, Sept. 16.
16th Avenue will still require some localized lane closures to accommodate bringing the feeder main back into service.
For the latest updates, water-saving tips and to sign up for email notifications about the construction, visit calgary.ca/savewater.