Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project Reaches Major Construction Milestones

Construction on Calgary’s Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) Replacement Project continues to make significant progress, with Stage A of the project now more than halfway complete and several major construction milestones successfully achieved.

According to project officials, Stage A construction has reached 51 per cent completion, marking another important step toward strengthening Calgary’s long-term water infrastructure system.

One of the key components of Stage A involves the use of an advanced two-pass microtunneling method. Under this process, crews first install a concrete carrier pipe that serves as a protective tunnel lining before inserting the new steel water transmission pipe. Officials report that installation of the concrete carrier pipe is now 55 per cent complete.

Additional work supporting Stage A continues across several locations in northwest Calgary, including microtunneling shaft construction along 16 Avenue N.W. at 44 Street N.W., Home Road, and near Sarcee Trail N.W. on 29 Avenue N.W.

Darren Finney, Manager of Major Projects for The City of Calgary, said the project remains firmly on schedule.

“Both Stage A and Stage B of the project remain on track to have the new feeder main operational by the end of 2026,” said Finney. “Our teams and contractors continue to optimize logistics and advance construction to support safety, schedule and quality every step of the way while delivering this critical project for Calgarians.”

Stage B construction officially began last month using an open-cut excavation method. Initial cross-connection work along 77 Street N.W. and 83 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W. has now been completed. Following construction, affected roadways have been paved and reopened to traffic.

This week, crews will begin work on the first sections of Stage B along 34 Avenue N.W., with construction taking place between 79 and 80 Street N.W. and between 85 and 86 Street N.W. Officials say the project is being completed using a block-by-block construction approach, allowing roads to be restored and reopened as work progresses.

Another significant milestone is expected within days as the first shipments of new steel pipe arrive in Calgary. The steel pipe will be installed rapidly within open-cut trenches and will continue arriving over the coming weeks to support both Stage A and Stage B construction activities.

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project is one of Calgary’s most important infrastructure investments, designed to improve the reliability and resilience of the city’s water distribution system for decades to come.

City officials also emphasized their commitment to community engagement throughout construction. Residents and businesses affected by project activities are encouraged to connect with project representatives for assistance and information.

Community members seeking updates or wishing to discuss concerns can visit the project’s Community Resource Centre located at the Bowness Community Association.

As construction advances through 2026, city officials say maintaining safety, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring high-quality project delivery remain top priorities while work continues on this critical piece of Calgary’s water infrastructure network.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom