Second stage of Calgary feedermain replacement to use ‘efficient’ open-cut approach
Posted Feb 6, 2026 10:18 am.
The City of Calgary has released its construction plan for Stage B of the work to fully replaced the Bearspaw South Feedermain.
The work will run from 73 Street NW to 89 Street NW, and use an “open-cut method,” which the city says will allow the work to be completed more efficiently and signifcantly reduced the overall construction schedule.
Open-cut construction involves crews excavating a trench along the road right-of-way, installing the new pipe directly in the open trench, and backfilling the trench and restoring the surface once work is complete.
The construction will be sequenced in large sections along the alignment, with one or two sections completed at a time. As each section is finished, the roadway will be reopened, and crews will move to the next area.
The city says this will reduce the length of time localized areas are impacted.
More details on construction sequencing and section locations will be shared as it becomes available. Officials say the city recognizes that open-cut construction will result in significant impacts for residents in the area including traffic disruptions, noise, street parking impacts, dust, and changes to local access.
“Plans are rapidly evolving, and teams are currently assessing the full scope of impacts,” it said in a release.
Construction on Stage B is expected to start in May and will take around five months. Pipe construction is expected to be completed by October.
City officials say the replacement feedermain will be installed along 34 Avenue NW. The existing feeder main is located along 33 Avenue NW.
Stage A runs from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street on the west side of the Bow River. Construction sites were mobilized on Jan. 23.
“Replacing the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is essential to protecting Calgary’s drinking water system and every day matters,” the city said.
The entire project is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year.
