Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The City of Calgary has begun Stage B construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) replacement project, installing 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.
Construction started the week of May 11, 2026, with cross-connection work to connect the future replacement pipe to the wider water system in two locations:
- 83 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W.
- 77 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W.
Once cross-connection work is complete, we will begin construction for the feeder main on 34 Avenue N.W. in June 2026, starting at locations between 79 and 80 Street N.W., and between 85 and 86 Street N.W.
The City will use an open-cut construction method, excavating within the public right-of-way to install the new pipe. This method involves digging a trench and restoring the surface to its pre-construction state. An open-cut approach was selected for several operational reasons, including that it is the fastest option for urgently replacing the BSFM.
Residents in the area should expect traffic impacts, detours, noise, dust, temporary parking restrictions and short-term access changes during construction. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted detours and use extra care when travelling through residential streets.
The City is committed to providing timely, transparent updates, including advance notice of changes to access, parking and detours as construction progresses.
Stage A construction update
Stage A microtunneling construction, from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W. on the west side of the Bow River, remains on track. Microtunneling between the shaft located at Sarcee Trail and the Bow River Shaft, located west of Bow River near Mainstreet Condominiums, began on April 27, 2026. Construction of the sixth and final tunnelling shaft on 16 Avenue N.W. is scheduled to begin May 11, 2026.
Due to ongoing construction, parking availability at Edworthy Park is significantly reduced. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and anticipate limited on‑site parking, particularly during peak periods.
The City is accelerating the replacement of the BSFM due to the condition of the existing pipe. The project will add a parallel steel feeder main that will take over service from the current line, improving the reliability and resilience of Calgary’s water system. The overall replacement project is expected to be completed in December 2026.
Featured image: (City of Calgary)
