Stage B Construction Begins on Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement in Calgary

The City of Calgary has officially begun Stage B construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) replacement project, a major infrastructure upgrade designed to improve the long-term reliability of the city’s water supply system.

Calgary will install a new parallel steel feeder main along 34 Avenue N.W., between 73 Street N.W. and 89 Street N.W., with this stage of construction scheduled for completion by October 2026.

Construction activities began the week of May 11, 2026, starting with cross-connection work at two key locations on 83 Street N.W. and 77 Street N.W. These connections will integrate the new pipeline with the wider municipal water network once completed.

The project will continue along 34 Avenue N.W. beginning in June 2026, with work zones planned between 79–80 Street N.W. and 85–86 Street N.W. The City has confirmed it will use an open-cut construction method, which involves excavating trenches in the public right-of-way before restoring the surface after installation.

Officials say this method was selected due to its efficiency, allowing for faster completion of an urgently needed replacement of the aging feeder main.

Residents in surrounding neighbourhoods are expected to experience traffic disruptions, detours, noise, dust, and temporary parking restrictions throughout the construction period. Drivers are advised to follow posted signage and allow extra travel time when moving through affected areas.

Alongside Stage B, Stage A construction of the project continues on the western side of the Bow River, involving microtunneling operations and shaft construction near key infrastructure points.

City officials have also warned that parking at nearby recreational areas such as Edworthy Park is currently limited due to ongoing construction activity.

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main project is part of a larger infrastructure renewal effort aimed at replacing an aging pipeline that plays a critical role in delivering water across Calgary. The full project is expected to be completed by December 2026, significantly enhancing the resilience and reliability of the city’s water system.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom