Calgary's Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project Progresses Steadily

📅 2 weeks ago

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project in Calgary is on track, with significant advancements made in the installation of new steel pipes after previous ruptures caused water restrictions.

CALGARY, ALTA. – City officials in Calgary have confirmed that the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project is progressing as planned, with approximately two kilometers of new steel feeder main already installed across twelve work areas in the neighborhoods of Bowness, Montgomery, and Parkdale. The entire replacement spans over six kilometers in length. Darren Finney, manager of major projects, highlighted the urgency and commitment of the teams involved, stating, "The first segments of steel pipe arrived on June 18, 2026, and since then crews have been working rapidly to have it installed making significant progress in just one month." This project is particularly crucial as the feeder main supplies treated drinking water to 60% of Calgary’s population, which numbers around 1.6 million people. Previously, this vital infrastructure faced severe challenges, including a burst in 2024 that led to months of water restrictions, and another rupture in late December 2025, which triggered further restrictions. In response to these issues, the city developed a revised plan that aims to expedite the construction process for the feeder main replacement. This new installation includes a parallel steel pipe of the same size as the existing one, which will eventually take over the service from the aging line. According to city officials, construction for Stage B of the feeder main project began in June and has seen the installation of 40 segments of the new steel feeder main along three blocks on 34 Avenue N.W. The construction is being executed using an open-cut approach, allowing for the restoration of roads, sidewalks, and property access as the work progresses. With the initial installations now complete, access to the affected blocks will be restored, and construction is expected to continue along 34 Avenue N.W. until the end of the year. This phase involves installing the steel feeder main pipe, completing utility work, and restoring any affected areas. Notably, Gaham has been selected by the City of Calgary to oversee the delivery of Stage B of the South Bearspaw feeder main repairs. Furthermore, Stage A of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Improvements is also under construction with a project value of $235.4 million. This stage includes microtunneling, which is progressing on schedule, with crews nearing completion of the microtunneling and the installation of the concrete carrier pipe that will encase the new steel feeder main. To date, over 1,100 meters of steel feeder main has been successfully installed within the concrete carrier pipe along Stage A, stretching from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W. Looking ahead, the city plans to connect the new feeder main to Calgary's drinking water system in three phases this fall. The first phase, involving work at the Shaganappi pump station, is estimated to begin in mid-September. This will include preparations for the connection of the new pipe to the existing system. The second phase, which will consist of pipe tie-in connections, is expected to commence in mid-October and will also involve open-cut construction at several locations along the new feeder main, which may result in temporary water restrictions. The final phase, feeder main commissioning, is anticipated to begin in mid-November. This commissioning will involve disinfecting the new pipe, filling it with water, and subsequently taking the existing feeder main out of service.

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