16 Avenue NW set to reopen after water rupture three weeks ago

Commuter traffic is returning to normal in Calgary following a major water main break three weeks ago.

Calgary’s mayor says the previously closed sections of 16 Avenue NW above the repaired water main is set to reopen Friday.

Jyoti Gondek says the new pavement may be a bit bumpy because it hasn’t been levelled but is good enough to drive on. The avenue was shut down after the major pipe rupture in the area was discovered on June 5 near Home Road NW, affecting 60 per cent of the city’s water system.

READ MORE: Calgary water restrictions could be over by Canada Day, mayor says

The pipe has been repaired and is now being tested, and if all goes well water restrictions will be lifted by Monday, according to the mayor.

Calgary and surrounding municipalities have been under a combination of mandatory and voluntary water restrictions since the pipe burst.

The Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions remain in place along with the fire ban. Fines are now being handed out for non-compliance and the city says they have now fielded nearly 3,000 calls about water misuse.

City officials also confirmed this week that Canada Day fireworks will proceed from Stampede Park, despite the ongoing fire ban.

CEMA Chief Sue Henry says that doesn’t give people permission to put on their own show, adding fireworks will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.