It’s expected that crews will begin paving over the recently completed repairs at hotspots along 16 Avenue N.W. as Calgary braces for the next critical phase of return to service.
“As work is completed above ground, we are preparing to fill the 16 Avenue feeder main pipe,” says General Manager of Infrastructure Service Michael Thompson. “While you will notice less work happening above ground along 16 Avenue, there is still a lot that needs to happen below the surface as we move into the next phases towards a return to service.”
Later today, crews will begin the process of filling the newly repaired section of pipe. Filling the feeder main line is a delicate process that requires care and attention. Crews slowly pressurize the pipe and fill with water. As the pipe fills, we’re checking for additional breaks and monitoring pressure levels.
Once the feeder main is filled, we then move onto flushing the pipe, water will be released through fire hydrants and dechlorinated before reaching the river. This water will be sampled by Alberta Health Services.
“We are still days away from our earliest timeline in the best-case scenarios,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry. “We want to remind Calgarians that we are still not yet at the finish line.”
The City has developed contingency plans should we encounter additional issues, and we are prepared to respond rapidly.
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Calgarians are encouraged to enjoy Canada Day festivities on the weekend. Celebrations around Calgary will be capped off with a fireworks finale, launching from Stampede Park.
“Our partners at the Calgary Stampede have made sure that our show can go on by offering onsite safety oversight, collaboration with the Calgary Fire Department for all necessary safety measures and access to non-potable water sources for their equipment,” says Chief Henry.
For more on all The City’s planned Canada day celebrations, visit Calgary.ca/canadaday
WATER USE
Tuesday’s water use for the Calgary area was 471 million litres, down slightly from the day before. Calgarians are being asked to continue conserving their water usage as the forecast continues to be warm this week.
More than six hundred thousand litres of river water has been picked up by Calgarians and businesses at our non-potable river water stations. This water is not suitable for drinking, it is intended for your gardens and can be picked up free of charge at seven locations, including our newest station for both residential and commercial users at Bankside day-use area in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Hours of operation are shifting slightly for residential pick up from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better serve Calgarians. Commercial hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please visit Calgary.ca for pick up locations for residential and commercial users.
We are reminding all Calgarians that the water pumped from the river is non-potable and not safe for drinking.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received more than 9,765 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,841 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 17 violation tickets.
A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 230 calls. There have been 28 written warnings, 89 verbal warnings and we have issued six violation tickets.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Access to all businesses in the construction areas are being maintained, and we’re reminding Calgarians that Bowness and Montgomery remain open for business and continue to encourage your support.
To accommodate flushing work, the North Edworthy Park parking lot will be closed to the public (local only access) and adjacent pathways will be temporarily detoured starting on Thursday.
Community street sweeping is expected to resume July 8. Calgarians are reminded to visit Calgary.ca/sweep and sign up for e-mail and/or text notifications.
The following traffic impacts will be in effect until the completion of the feeder main repairs:
· Westbound lanes along 16 Avenue N.W. from 49 Street N.W. to Home Road have reopened. Eastbound lanes are open.
· 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed in both directions from 46 Street N.W. and 45 Street N.W.
· 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed in both directions from 43 Street N.W. to Bowness Road N.W.
· East/West traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Road. Expect delays.
· Eastbound detour starts at 46 Street to Bowness Road and re-enters 16 Avenue at the Shaganappi Trail interchange
To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo
To learn more about interruptions to City services (including pools and arenas), a resource of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.
