Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Calgary has started Stage B construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) replacement project this month, advancing work on a new parallel steel feeder main along 34 Avenue N.W. between 73 Street N.W. and 89 Street N.W.
This stage of construction is expected to be completed in October 2026.
Initial work will focus on cross-connection activities to tie the future replacement pipe into the broader water system at two locations: 83 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W., and 77 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W.
Construction of the feeder main along 34 Avenue N.W. is expected to begin in June 2026. Early segments will be installed 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 for Stage B, which involves excavating within the public right-of-way, installing the pipe in a trench and restoring the surface once work is complete.
It said the approach was selected for operational reasons, including speed, as the city accelerates replacement of the aging system.
“An open-cut approach was selected for several operational reasons, including that it is the fastest option for urgently replacing the BSFM,” the City of Calgary said in a statement.
Residents in the area are being advised to expect traffic disruptions, detours, noise, dust, temporary parking restrictions and short-term access changes throughout construction. Drivers are being encouraged to follow posted detours and exercise caution on residential streets.
The city said it will provide ongoing updates as work progresses, including advance notice of changes to access, parking and traffic routing.
Stage A work continues
Meanwhile, Stage A microtunnelling construction between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W., on the west side of the Bow River, remains on schedule.
Microtunnelling between the shaft at Sarcee Trail and the Bow River shaft west of the river near the Mainstreet Condominiums began April 27, 2026. The sixth and final tunnelling shaft on 16 Avenue N.W. is scheduled to begin May 11, 2026.
The city also noted that parking availability at Edworthy Park has been significantly reduced due to ongoing construction, and is encouraging visitors to plan ahead and expect limited on-site parking during peak periods.
Background
The City of Calgary is accelerating replacement of the BSFM due to the condition of the existing pipe. Once complete, the new parallel steel feeder main will take over service from the existing line, improving reliability and resilience in Calgary’s water distribution system.
The overall project is expected to be completed by December 2026.
