2026 Bearspaw South Feeder Main reinforcements
Utilities Delivery 2026 Bearspaw South Feeder Main reinforcements
Due to the critical condition of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system, we are reinforcing sections of the pipe that are in the most vulnerable condition, to stabilize them and reduce the chances of a break. This work will support the BSFM to continue safely delivering our drinking water until the new parallel steel pipe is completed and can take over service from the current line.
Construction began on March 9, 2026, and is expected to last approximately four weeks taking place for six segments of pipe along 16 Avenue N.W., near Sarcee Trail and three segments in Point McKay Park.
Reinforcement construction updates
Current project status
- Reinforcement construction is now complete.
- Remaining surface works, including paving are now underway.
Road closures and detours
- Lane reductions are in place on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Sarcee Trail interchange, with one lane open in each direction.
- The exit ramp from 16 Avenue N.W. onto Sarcee Trail and the exit off Sarcee Trail onto westbound 16 Avenue N.W. are both closed.
- 16 Avenue westbound remains open but changed lane patterns will cause traffic to move slowly.
- Drivers heading west on 16 Avenue N.W. are encouraged to plan ahead.
Contact
If you have questions or feedback about the project, we’d like to hear from you.
- Email: BSFMProject@calgary.ca
- Join the Resident contact form
- Call 311
Reinforcement milestones
We will repair the identified pipe segments using a concrete reinforcement technique. This approach involves exposing the pipe through excavation, constructing an exterior reinforcing steel cage, pouring concrete around the existing pipe, and backfilling. The construction method is subject to change once the pipe is exposed.
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Step 1 Stage 4 water restrictions begin
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 2 Drain feeder main
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 3 Excavate
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 4 Encase pipe in concrete
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 5 Concrete curing
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 6 Concrete form removal
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 7 Backfill and pave
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 8 Fill feeder main
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 9 Water quality testing
Start Date | End DateComplete
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Step 10 Stabilize system
Start Date | End DateIn progress
Image gallery
On March 13, 2026, crews began installing rebar around the exposed Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
On March 12, 2026 crews excavate two segments of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main for reinforcement work, on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Sarcee Trail N.W. interchange.
Nine segments of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main are being reinforced to support the pipes stability. On March 13, 2026, crews continued to construct trench boxes and began installing rebar around the exposed pipe.
On March 12, 2026, the nine segments of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main that are being reinforced have been excavated and trench boxes are being built around the pipe.
Two segments of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main have been excavated on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Sarcee Trail N.W. interchange on March 12, 2026.
March 16, 2026, Image shows the first concrete encasement pour to begin on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
The first concrete pour on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main began on March 16, 2026.
On March 19, crews are monitoring the site where concrete has been poured and is now curing at 16 Ave N.W. at the Sarcee interchange.
On March 19, crews work near Point McKay Park where a microtunnelling shaft can be seen for the Bearspaw South Replacement Project and concrete curing for the reinforcement work on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
Where we are working
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Bearspaw South Feeder Main Reinforcements |
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Risk of another break remains
The City cannot guarantee that the pipe will not break unexpectedly again before or after the reinforcement work takes place. If another break occurs before the planned reinforcements, crews will move immediately to complete portions of the reinforcement work at the same time as the break repair. Preparations are underway to allow crews to mobilize as quickly as possible if this occurs.
We understand that these reinforcements will have impacts on the community with construction happening 24/7 during this time. We are working with those directly impacted and more information on construction will continued to be shared with the area.
Impacted communities
Residents and businesses in Bowness, Montgomery and Parkdale, along the feeder main alignment, should anticipate more mail drop updates, construction notices and info sessions. Residents and businesses that have not already done so, can sign up to receive email updates.
Water restrictions
Restrictions in effect starting March 9
The feeder main will be taken out of service to complete construction. During this time it’s critical that all Calgarians and the surrounding regions use less water. Outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be in effect starting March 9. No outdoor water use will be permitted during this time.
We’re asking all Calgarians to save 25-30 litres of water per day indoors by taking the following actions:
- Keep showers short, three minutes or less.
- Flush toilets only when necessary.
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when there is a full load.
