Water restrictions not expected as feeder main set for more repair work

The next phase of repairs on the Bearspaw south feeder main — a key part of Calgary's water distribution system — is set to begin, but no water restrictions will be needed this time.

The city is preparing Phase 3 of its repairs, with pre-work to begin on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Construction is expected to last until late November.

Because the repairs are smaller in scope, they won't require the same citywide water restrictions that Calgary experienced throughout the summer. Instead, the city has said these repairs can be completed on isolated sections of the pipe while keeping the feeder main running.

Repair work is expected in three locations in West Hillhurst during this phase: 

• Parkdale Boulevard N.W. between 26th and 27th streets.
• Westbound off-ramp on Memorial Drive that connects to Crowchild Trail northbound.
• Brownsea Drive N.W. at the Bev Longstaff West Hillhurst Pedestrian Bridge ramp.

This phase of construction was deemed necessary after a pipe diver assessment earlier this year identified specific areas needing immediate repair.

"We are proactively addressing the segments identified as most compromised based on this data. Performing this work now will help to lower the risk of another unplanned failure in the feeder main," said a statement from the city on Wednesday.

Pre-construction work beginning on Wednesday is set to include median removal on Crowchild Trail and Parkdale Boulevard N.W. This will involve sawing into pavement, setting up fencing, removing sound barrier walls and closing pathways. That work will precede removing sections of the pavement to make way for draining and excavation work beginning the week of Oct. 21. 

Minor detours and traffic impacts will be put in place while pre-work begins. The city expects construction to have a larger impact on traffic when it begins next week.

The Bearspaw south feeder main ruptured on June 5, leading to varying levels of water restrictions throughout the summer.

The pipe was shut down in August for urgent, additional repairs before being reconnected. Water restrictions were lifted in late September.